Micranthocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Brazil.

Description. Micranthocereus is a small genus consisting of only 9 plant species. A vertically growing cactus with long and rather thin – up to 8 cm in diameter, branching stems. The ribs are numerous, shallow, the spines are long - up to 2.5 cm, and cover this cactus very abundantly. The flowers are funnel-shaped, appear in large numbers at the top of the stems, small but very bright - red, pink, yellow, orange or white, open at night.

Height. 90 - 120 cm, grows relatively quickly.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, this cactus will appreciate warm conditions with temperatures above 20° C. In winter, it is necessary to move the plant to a cooler room with a temperature of 8 - 12° C. 

Lighting

This species should receive several hours of direct sunlight daily - in the morning and evening hours. On hot summer days, the plant is slightly shaded. Good lighting is a necessary condition for abundant flowering.

Care

Large specimens do not tolerate changing conditions; if necessary, acclimatize the plants for 1 - 2 weeks. 

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 or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. You can use a ready-made substrate for cacti and succulents.

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

In spring and summer, micranthocereus blooms quite abundantly indoors.

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 to 3 years, in the spring.

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 heat - about 25 ° C.

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

Microanthocereus has sharp spines - be careful when handling it.