Pilosocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico, South America.

Description. Pilosocereus are large tree-like cacti with vertically growing stems of bluish-green or dark green color, often branching at the base. The diameter of the stems reaches 6 - 12 cm. The ribs are often few in number, but clearly defined, deep, and located vertically. The areolas are pubescent. The spines are straight, 1 - 3 cm long, strong, gray or golden brown. Flowers appear in any part of the stem, but more often closer to the top, spectacular, funnel-shaped, up to 5 cm in diameter, open at night for only a day, white or pink.

Height. Depending on the type, it can be 1 - 10 m, grows quickly.

Cactus at home

Temperature conditions

A very heat-loving species that will only welcome the most intense summer heat. In the winter months, the temperature can be lowered, but it should not fall below 10° C.

Lighting

Maximum possible lighting in the autumn-winter period with light shading from the scorching rays of the sun in the summer months.

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. Drainage should be 30 - 50 percent of the total volume of the mixture. 

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. 

Purpose

With age, pilosocereus takes on impressive sizes and requires enough free space for development.

Flowering time

Summer. 

Air humidity

Does not require spraying. During the fall and winter, keep the cactus in a dry atmosphere and provide it with sufficient air movement without cold drafts. 

Soil moisture

During the growing season, water abundantly, but in such a way that the soil dries to half its depth before the next watering. In the winter months, keep watering to a minimum, just trying not to dry out the earthen ball. 

Transplant

Young seedlings are replanted in the spring, approximately every 2 years. Mature specimens become too large and difficult to replant - simply replace the top layer of soil with fresh soil every year.

Reproduction

Cuttings, which are carefully separated with a sharp sterile instrument and dried for several days. Root in wet sand for 2 - 6 weeks. Many species reproduce quite successfully by seeds. 

Pests and diseases

Rot due to stagnation of moisture at the roots and excessive watering during the dormant period.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.