Pachycereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. America.

Description. Pachycereus is a small genus of 12 large tree-like cacti. The stems are cylindrical, vertical, often branching from the base, dark green in color, 15 - 20 cm in diameter; with age, the lower part becomes lignified and covered with brown bark. The ribs are deep, well defined, numerous, vertical. Many species are equipped with short and strong, straight spines, but some cacti may not have spines at all. The flowers are funnel-shaped, up to 10 cm long, pink or white, appear at the top of the stem and open at night.

Height. It grows slowly, in nature it reaches a height of 20 m; young plants are kept in indoor culture.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, a room temperature of around 20°C is suitable. In winter, keep it cool - around 14°C, but do not expose the pachycereus 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

Pachycereus is generally easy to grow indoors and is easy to care for. It is 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 appear in spring and summer, blooms for the first time at the age of 6 to 15 years. In indoor culture, flowering occurs only with good care.

Air humidity

At any time of the year, the air should be dry; pachycereus 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, adult specimens 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

Pachycereus is susceptible to fungal diseases when overwatered. 

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.