Nyctocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua.

Description. Nyctocereus is a slender, tall cactus that produces many long, thin lateral shoots topped with large white flowers. The stem is erect, dark green, covered with strong, white spines, has clearly defined ribs, 3 - 5 cm in diameter. Spectacular flowers up to 15 cm in diameter, funnel-shaped, white, have a very pleasant aroma, intensifying at night. There is a cristate form, when the stem resembles a fan or comb. After flowering, it forms round or ovoid fruits.

Height. It grows quickly and reaches 3 - 6 m in height.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, normal room temperature is suitable. The minimum permissible winter temperature is about 10 ° C. 

Lighting

Several hours of direct sunlight a day - morning and evening.

Care

Like many other cacti, it is very easy to grow indoors and outdoors (as long as the temperature does not drop below 10°C). Nyctocereus grows quickly and will require plenty of free space, and its long stems will eventually require support. 

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

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

No special requirements.

Soil moisture

It is advisable to water this plant frequently during the growing season; reduce the frequency of watering in winter to a minimum. Allow water to seep through the drainage holes into the pan, then remove excess water from it. 

Transplant

Since Nyctocereus grows quickly, it should be repotted annually - preferably after flowering into a larger container. The main reason for repotting is to provide the cactus with fresh, nutritious soil. Adult specimens are repotted every 2 - 3 years.

Reproduction

Propagate by cuttings of side shoots or segments of any part of the stem about 10 cm long in early summer. Allow the cut to dry for three days; then place it at a depth of about 2 cm in a small pot in damp sand. You can carefully support the cutting with a stick. Rooting occurs within a few weeks.

Pests and diseases

Nyctocereus are susceptible to rotting if overwatered. 

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.