Neoporteria

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Chile.

Description. The genus Neoporteria consists of approximately 30 species of small cacti. The stems are ovoid, green, gray, brown, and sometimes even burgundy. The ribs are often arranged spirally, their number varies from 15 to 21, the spines are very long and curved, often completely hiding the stem. The flowers are attractive, large - up to 5 cm in diameter, appear near the top of the stem, pink, red, purple or white, with a yellow center, flowering profusely. The flower tubes are covered with small bristles.

Height. From 25 cm to 2 m, but usually less in pots.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

The dormant period of neoporteria can begin at different times of the year, so be guided by the behavior of your cactus. In the warm season, can be kept at normal room temperature. During the dormant period, the temperature is lowered to 10 - 12 ° C so that the plant enters a dormant period and does not elongate due to insufficient lighting. 

Lighting

Brightly lit location with access to direct sunlight in the morning and evening.

Care

It is quite difficult to grow neoporteria on its own roots; grafted specimens are often found in culture.

Substrate

Sandy, porous, mineral-based soil for cacti and succulents. The root collar can be surrounded with coarse river sand or fine gravel for better water drainage.

Feeding

Feed monthly during the growing season with fertilizer for cacti and succulents (high potassium and low nitrogen) in half concentration. 

Flowering time

Quite young seedlings bloom; the exact time of flowering depends on the species, but it mainly occurs in the warm season. In indoor culture, buds are formed quite rarely, but with good care, these cacti can bloom again during the year.

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

During the growing season, water abundantly; between waterings, the soil should dry out to about 1/4 of the depth. In autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced and in winter they are kept almost dry. 

Transplant

In the spring, when the roots become too crowded. After transplantation, cacti are not watered for 7 to 10 days. 

Reproduction

Neoporteria is propagated by seeds, which are lightly pressed into the soil surface in spring. The seedlings are kept warm under a glass or plastic cap. The cuttings are separated with a sharp sterile instrument and planted after drying the cut site for several days. Rooting is carried out in coarse-grained wet sand for 2-6 weeks.

Pests and diseases

When exposed to too cold temperatures, ugly scars form on the stem. The cactus rots with insufficient drainage and excess moisture, especially in the cold season.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.