Oreocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and Argentina.

Description. The small genus Oreocereus consists of 11 species of cacti. Bright green stems about 8 cm in diameter, erect, branching at the base with age, covered with numerous long white thorns. Such a thick coating protects cacti from sudden changes in temperature and the scorching sun. The central spines are often straight and long, white, red or golden. It blooms only in adulthood - when the cacti are at least 10 years old. Flowers are purple, burgundy, red, pink, with a long flower tube, up to 3 cm in diameter, appear in the upper part of the stems.

Height. They grow up to 3 m in height.

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the growth period, the cactus is kept at a temperature of about 20 - 22 °C. It easily tolerates even the strongest heat and frosts down to -5 °C if kept in dry soil. In winter, a period of rest is necessary at a temperature of about 10 °C. A difference between day and night temperatures is desirable.

Lighting

Maximum possible lighting. Plants grown in conditions of low light do not develop powerful pubescence. 

Care

Not the easiest cactus to care for, only for experienced collectors.

Substrate for cactus

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 your oreocereus monthly in spring and summer with half-strength water-soluble cactus fertilizer.

Flowering time

Buds form in summer, but in indoor conditions it blooms reluctantly.

Air humidity

Does not require spraying; the air should remain dry in autumn and winter. The plant needs good air movement.

Soil moisture

Water in spring and summer until the earthen ball is completely soaked; be sure to remove excess water that has accumulated in the pan after watering. The soil should be dried between waterings. In the autumn-winter period, water extremely carefully - only to avoid drying out the earthen clod. It is advisable to use bottom watering, since in this case the water does not fall on stem. 

Transplant

In the spring, when the pot becomes too small for the cactus. After transplantation, the plants are not watered for 7 - 10 days.

Reproduction

Seeds that are sown in the spring on the surface of the soil. Seedlings are kept at a temperature of about 22° C. Cuttings from side shoots during spring and summer. The cut area is dried before planting. 

Pests and diseases

Oreocereus are very sensitive to rot.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

Beware of the sharp spines hidden inside the abundant pubescence.