Neocardenasia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Peru, Bolivia.

Description. The genus Neocardenasia consists of 2 species of large tree-like cacti. The stems are erect, green, gray-green, with clearly defined ribs, the number of which is 4 - 8 on the trunk. The areoles are large and have brown felt pubescence. The spines are strong and long. With age, lateral shoots often appear at the base of the stem, and the stem itself becomes woody, turns brown and loses its lower spines. The flowers are funnel-shaped, large - up to 7 cm in diameter, white or pink, flower tubes often have bristles. After flowering, round or ovoid fruits with numerous black seeds are formed.

Height. In the natural environment it can reach 12 m.

Neocardenasia - home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, this cactus can be kept at normal room temperature. In winter, the temperature is lowered to 8 ° C so that the plant enters a dormant period and does not elongate due to insufficient lighting. 

Lighting

To develop a strong plant, neocardenasia must receive several hours of direct sunlight a day - morning and evening.

Care

This cactus is not that difficult to grow, but over time it will grow into a large plant that requires plenty of space.

Substrate

Grows in mineral sandy cactus soil with very good drainage.

Feeding

Feed once during the growing season with fertilizer for cacti and succulents (high potassium and low nitrogen) in half concentration. These cacti prefer poor soils. Excess fertilizer increases green mass

Purpose

Quite rare in collections and suitable for lovers of rare cacti.

Flowering time

Spring Summer. 

Air humidity

Provide very good air movement around the plant, but keep it away from cold drafts. Almost all problems arise as a result of waterlogging and poor ventilation. In winter, the air should be dry.

Soil moisture

Water sparingly and keep dry in winter.

Transplant

Needs a relatively large and deep pot, as it has a fairly large root system. It can survive without replanting for many years, as it does not require many nutrients. For large plants, replace the top part of the soil with a new one.

Reproduction

Lateral shoots, after drying the cut site for several days. Seeds sown in spring. 

Pests and diseases

Neocardenasia rots with insufficient drainage and excess moisture, especially in the cold season.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

The fruits of this cactus are edible and quite tasty.