Mitrocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. Mitrocereus is a genus consisting of only 2 species of large tree-like cacti with vertical, branching, massive stems. The stems are grayish-green in color, with numerous, but well-defined, vertical ribs. With age, the bases of the stems become woody and brown, covered with bark. The spines are sparse and straight. At the top of the stem there is a fluffy cephalium, in which flower buds appear. Flowers open at night, funnel-shaped, cream-colored, up to 6 cm in diameter. After flowering, round fruits up to 5 cm in diameter are formed.

Height. In its natural habitat it reaches a height of 18 m.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, a room temperature of about 20° C is suitable. In winter, do not expose the plant to temperatures below 12° C. 

Lighting

Maximum possible lighting, in spring and summer shading during the day is possible. In the morning and evening direct sunlight should fall on the shoots for 3-4 hours daily - this will promote flowering.

Care

As a rule, mitrocereus is easy to grow at home and care for it does not cause any trouble. Suitable for beginners.

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 from spring to fall with a high-potassium liquid fertilizer for cacti and succulents.  

Flowering time

Buds form in spring, but only mature specimens aged 20–30 years bloom.

Air humidity

At any time of the year, the air should be dry; mitrocereus does not need spraying.

Soil moisture

Water regularly during the warm season; allow the soil to dry to ½ depth before each subsequent watering. In winter, simply do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Transplant

Every 2 - 3 years, plants need spring replanting to change the substrate. It is advisable to grow in clay pots with large drainage holes, the walls of which allow the root system to breathe and allow moisture to pass through. 

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds sown in spring. The cuttings are separated with a sharp sterile instrument, the cut site is dried for several days and rooted in damp sand in spring and summer.

Pests and diseases

The cactus is susceptible to fungal diseases when overwatered. 

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

It can live indoors for a long time, but with age it reaches impressive sizes and requires a lot of space for development.