Pelecyphora

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. Pelecyphora is a very graceful cactus with round green, spherical or club-shaped stems up to 5 cm in diameter. The stems are covered with pyramidal, diamond-shaped or oval tubercles arranged in a spiral. At the tops of the tubercles there are 2 rows of spectacular light, short spines that fit tightly to the body of the cactus. An attractive fluffy cephalium forms at the top of the stem, on which flower buds appear. Flowers in pink tones, up to 4 cm in diameter.

Height. It grows very slowly and often does not exceed 10 cm in height.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, this cactus can be kept at normal room temperature; it can withstand even the most intense summer heat. In winter, the temperature is lowered to 12° C so that the plant enters a dormant period and does not elongate due to insufficient lighting.

Lighting

To grow a strong, sturdy specimen with a compact form, with stable flowering from year to year, Pelecyphora should receive several hours of direct sunlight per day - morning and evening.

Care

Representatives of this species are extremely rare to find on sale, despite its very exotic, attractive appearance. This cactus is not easy to grow - it requires proper care.

Substrate

Grows in mineral sandy cactus soil with very good drainage. The soil pH is neutral or slightly alkaline. 

Feeding

Feed once during the growing season with a cactus and succulent fertilizer (high potassium, low nitrogen) at half strength. These cacti prefer poor soils; too much fertilizer will cause them to become green and bloated.

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. When watered too frequently, cacti become stretched and lose their attractiveness. 

Transfer

Pelecyphora requires a small but deep pot, as it has a fairly large, deep taproot system. Adult specimens can do without replanting for many years, as they develop slowly and do not require a large amount of nutrients. The root collar can be surrounded by a layer of coarse river sand or fine gravel for better moisture drainage.

Reproduction

Using lateral shoots, after drying the cut site for several days. Rooting takes a long period of time. Seeds sown in spring. Pelecyphora grows slowly on its own roots, so it is often grafted onto resistant rootstocks. 

Pests and diseases

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

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.