Peniocereus
Family. Cactaceae.
Origin. Mexico, USA.
Description. Peniocereus is a small genus consisting of 18 species of cacti with thin, up to 3 cm in diameter, vertical or drooping, long stems of green or reddish color. Sometimes the stems branch. The ribs are clearly defined, not numerous - from 4 to 6 on the stem. The spines are short, straight, sparse. The flowers are very showy, characteristic of most cereus, with long flower tubes, white or pink, less often red, open more often at night and fade the next day.
Height. Up to 2 m. in room culture.
Peniocereus - home care
Temperature conditions
During the growing season, it can be kept at normal room temperature. During the winter months, when the plant enters a dormant period, the temperature should not fall below 12 ° C.
Lighting
Prefers brightly lit places. Plants can take sunbaths in the morning and evening hours every day - this will stimulate the formation of flower buds. In autumn and winter, the maximum possible lighting is possible, additional illumination with fluorescent lamps is possible.
Care
Peniocereus is not as difficult to grow indoors as it seems. Give it plenty of space to develop and periodically tame too long shoots. Long shoots often require support.
Substrate
Unlike most cacti, it requires sufficiently nutritious, porous soil with a high organic content. A light and well-drained mixture consisting of 40% leaf humus, 10% peat and 50% coarse sand is suitable.
Feeding
Every month during the period of active growth, apply fertilizers for cacti and succulents in half the concentration. Some species grow throughout the year, depending on temperature conditions, in which case they need to be fed in winter.
Purpose
This large cactus will need a lot of free space to develop.
Flowering time
The main flowering occurs in late May or June, but single flowers may appear at any other time of the year. с
Air humidity
There are no special requirements, even in hot weather there is no need for spraying. Prefers ventilated rooms.
Soil moisture
Watering is moderate in summer; during the dormant period, watering is reduced, but never allows the roots to dry out completely. For irrigation, it is advisable to use soft bottled water at room temperature.
Transfer
Adult plants are replanted every 2-3 years in the spring.
Reproduction
Stem cuttings rooted in loose sandy soil at a minimum temperature of 20 ° C (but better - more) in the spring-summer period. Dry the cut area for a week before planting. Seeds that are sown in the spring.
Pests and diseases
Rot occurs when moisture stagnates at the roots.
Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.
Note
Be careful when working with the plant - it is armed with sharp thorns.