Pilocanthus

Origin. State of Arizona.

Description. The genus Pilocanthus consists of one species - a miniature cactus with a spherical or slightly flattened dark green stem about 7 cm in diameter and a large taproot system. The ribs are numerous, arranged in a spiral, and shallow. The spines are very long compared to the cactus itself and numerous, almost completely hiding the stem and more like hairs. Flowers appear near the top of the cactus, up to 3 cm in diameter, with many long petals with a silky sheen. The shades of the petals are delicate, pastel cream or pink with a yellow center. These cacti grow singly or form several lateral shoots at the base.

Height. It grows very slowly and reaches a height of 10 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Likes to enjoy the summer heat; the rest period should take place at a temperature of 6 - 8 C.

Lighting

Loves bright sunlight with light shading on hot summer days. In autumn and winter it should receive maximum light. Good lighting stimulates the formation of buds. If there is a lack of natural light, you can use fluorescent lamps for additional lighting.

Care

Very difficult to maintain and capricious plants that only experienced cactus growers can handle. When grown on their own roots, they are especially picky.

Substrate

The soil should have excellent drainage and allow air to pass easily, pH no 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 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

Rarely found in cultivation and valued by lovers of rare plants. The miniature size allows you to place the entire collection on a small windowsill. Often grafted onto more resistant rootstocks.

Flowering time

Spring.

Air humidity

Pilocanthus requires good air movement without cold drafts. Misting will be needed when the summer heat comes, in which case it can replace watering.

Soil moisture

Water until the soil is completely saturated, but dry it to at least half the depth before each subsequent watering. In winter, watering can be stopped completely until growth resumes. The cactus will need watering if its stem begins to shrink. In their natural environment, during periods of drought, these cacti shrink so much in size that they can completely disappear under the surface of the soil.

Transfer

Replant as needed, approximately every 2 to 3 years. After planting, stop watering for 7 - 10 days. Use deep, appropriately sized pots with large drainage holes as the plants have deep root systems. When replanting, it is advisable to surround the root collar with a layer of coarse sand or small pebbles for better moisture drainage.

Reproduction

Pilocanthus is often grafted onto more unpretentious rootstocks. Propagation by seeds is possible, but the process is not easy - the germination period can take several years; seedlings are also grafted at a very early age. Separation of lateral shoots that form at the base of the plant.

Pests and diseases

Root rot at the slightest excess of moisture or poor drainage.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.