Matucana

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Peru.

Description. Matucana is a small genus of cacti consisting of about 20 species. The stems are spherical, with age they sometimes take on a cylindrical shape and form lateral processes, up to 25 cm in diameter, dark green in color, covered with tubercles of various shapes and sizes. In their natural environment they grow singly or form large colonies. The shape and size of the spines depends on the specific species - they can be hard, strong, straight and almost completely hide the plant, while in other species they are softer and sparse. The bright flowers, up to 4 cm in diameter, appear at the top of the stem and can be red, pink, yellow, orange or white.

Height. Depending on the species, it can reach 75 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, the matucana will enjoy the heat or be content with normal room temperature. In the winter months, a period of rest begins, which it should spend at a temperature of 5 to 10 ° C. If possible, provide the plant with a difference in daily temperatures.

Lighting

The cactus is a light-loving plant and should receive sunbathing every day - morning and evening. In spring and summer, it needs light shading during the day. In autumn and winter, provide as much light as possible.

Substrate

Grow in nutrient-rich, porous soil with plenty of coarse river sand added to improve drainage, pH is acidic.

Feeding

During the growth period - from spring to autumn, feed monthly with fertilizers for cacti and succulents in half the concentration. During the dormant period, feeding is stopped.

Flowering time

Summer. 

Air humidity

Does not require spraying. In autumn and winter the air should be dry.

Soil moisture

In spring and summer, water abundantly, but in such a way that the soil dries out to 1/3 of the depth before each subsequent watering. In the fall, watering is reduced, and in the winter months the soil is protected from drying out completely. Try not to water on cloudy and rainy autumn days. 

Transplant

Transplantation is carried out in the spring, with the beginning of new growth, every 2 - 3 years in pots with large drainage holes. After planting, the root collar can be surrounded with a layer of coarse sand or fine gravel for better moisture drainage. After transplantation, watering is resumed only after 7 - 10 days. 

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in spring in wet sand with peat. The crops are covered with glass and placed in a warm place, and watering is replaced by spraying. Some species of matucana reproduce by lateral shoots, which are separated with a sharp sterile knife, and the cut site is dried for several days before planting. 

Pests and diseases

Root rot due to excessive watering, especially during the dormant period, when the temperature is reduced. When kept warm in winter, the cactus does not stop growing and can become deformed in conditions of lack of light.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.