Pilocopiapoa

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Chile.

Description. Pilocopiapoa is a small, showy cactus. The stems are round, with age they take on a cylindrical shape, dark green or brown in color, with a diameter of 7 - 10 cm. The ribs are well defined, vertical or arranged in a spiral. The spines are strong and straight. The flowers appear at the top of the stem, cream, yellow or golden, with numerous long petals with a silky sheen, up to 3 cm in diameter, opening in the daytime.

Height. Grows very slowly, but can reach 1 m in height.

Home care

Temperature conditions

This cactus does not like intense summer heat, keep it at a temperature of 18 - 22 ° C. In winter, a cool dormant period is required at a temperature of about 10 ° C. 

Lighting

In spring and summer during the daytime, shading from direct sunlight is necessary. In autumn and winter, the cactus can receive the maximum possible light.

Care

Not the easiest to care for species, which is suitable for experienced breeders. Own-rooted specimens require careful care.

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. Tolerates soils poor in nutrients very well. The drainage material must make up at least 40 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.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

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

Soil moisture

Water in spring and summer until the earthen ball is completely soaked; be sure to remove excess water that has accumulated in the pan after watering. The soil should be dried between waterings. In the autumn-winter period, water extremely carefully - only to avoid drying out the earthen clod. Try not to water in cloudy or rainy weather.

Transplant

Pilocopiapoa needs to be replanted approximately every 2 to 3 years, in the spring. 

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in spring in very loose soil with a large amount of coarse river sand. After sowing, cover the pot with a clear plastic cover or glass to maintain humidity. Seed germination is low. Lateral processes. Stem cuttings, drying the cut site for several days. Grafting onto more unpretentious rootstocks.

Pests and diseases

Pilocopiapoa rots very easily at the slightest waterlogging. Excess nutrients in the soil make this cactus bloated.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.