Machaerocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. California.

Description. Machaerocereus is an amazing cactus with lodging, sometimes branched stems, densely covered with spines. The stems are dark green, 4–8 cm in diameter, and have about 12 ribs. The spines are strong, straight, often flat, light, up to 7 cm long. The flowers appear at the top of the stem, with numerous long petals - pink or cream, often with a silky sheen.

Height. Shoots reach a height of 3 m.

Machaerocereus - home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, this cactus will appreciate warm conditions with temperatures above 20° C. In winter, it can be kept at normal room temperature. Do not expose the plant to temperatures below 12° C. 

Lighting

Machaerocereus should receive several hours of direct sunlight daily - in the morning and evening hours. On hot summer days, the plant is slightly shaded.

Substrate

The soil should easily pass water and air, pH not higher than 6.5. A mixture of leaf humus, turf soil with a large amount of coarse river sand - at least 30 percent or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal - is suitable. You can use a ready-made substrate for cacti and succulents. The root collar can be surrounded with a layer of coarse sand.

Feeding

Feed monthly with fertilizers for cacti and succulents high in potassium, calcium and phosphorus. The fertilizer is diluted to half the recommended dose and applied in spring and summer. During the dormant period, cacti are not fed.

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

Does not require spraying and easily tolerates dry air in heated rooms. Loves well-ventilated rooms with constant air movement, but without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

During the period of active growth, water moderately, so as to completely moisten the earthen ball. Before each subsequent watering, the substrate should dry to half its depth. During the winter dormancy period, they simply protect the soil from drying out completely. 

Transplant

Adult plants need to be replanted approximately every 2 - 3 years into a wide container, since as the cactus grows it will crawl from edge to edge of the container. 

Reproduction

With stem cuttings, the cut site should be dried for several days. Rooting is carried out in damp sand and takes 3 to 8 weeks. Seeds, which are slightly pressed into the substrate in the spring. The seedlings are covered with glass and placed in a warm place - about 25 ° C. Machaerocereus seeds remain viable for a long time.

Pests and diseases

Rotting in the absence of good drainage. When kept warm all year round, the cactus continues to grow during the winter, and since the weather is cloudy at this time, it lacks light and the stem becomes thinner.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

This cactus has an unusual growth habit - the lower part of its stem dies, but the upper part continues to grow, taking root. This way he can move slowly on the ground.