Miqueliopuntia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Chile.

Description. Miqueliopuntia is a monotypic genus, including only one species of cacti. It is a cactus with a branched, erect, segmented stem. Young segments are cylindrical, 3–6 cm in diameter, 7–20 cm in length, dark green in color, and older ones are often covered with a bluish waxy coating. The ribs are vertical, rounded, the spines are straight, light and long — up to 8 cm. Flowers appear in the upper part of the segments, have pleasant pastel shades — pink, yellow, cream, and do not open completely. The fruits are round, covered with spines.

Height. Up to 1.5 m.

Home care

Temperature conditions

The optimal temperature range during the period of active growth is 18 - 24 ° C. To lay flower buds during the dormant period, the temperature must be reduced to 14 - 16 ° C for 8 - 10 weeks. When flower buds reach 2.5 cm, move the plant to a warmer room. 

Lighting

Bright light, but not direct sunlight.

Substrate

The cactus appreciates more organic matter in the soil than most terrestrial species and grows well in soils containing sphagnum moss. The soil should be easily permeable to water and air, with a pH of no higher than 6.5. A mixture of leaf humus, sphagnum, turf soil with the addition of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable.

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.

Soil moisture

Needs regular watering from spring to mid-autumn. During the dormant period, watering is reduced to a minimum, trying to prevent the stems from wrinkling. 

Transplant

Transplantation is carried out immediately after flowering or before it occurs; adult miqueliopuntias are transplanted every 2-3 years into larger pots. Representatives of this species prefer slightly cramped conditions and the flower is transplanted when the roots have completely filled the pot.

Reproduction

Stem cuttings taken after flowering. The cut site is dried for several days and rooting is carried out in a mixture of sphagnum, leaf humus and sand for 6 - 8 weeks. The seeds are rarely available for sale and are very difficult to germinate.

Pests and diseases

Rotting due to waterlogging. Shriveled, limp stems are a sign of lack of moisture in the soil.

Among the harmful insects, the flower can be attacked by mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, and nematodes.