Polaskia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. The genus Polaskia contains only 2 species of large tree-like cacti. The stems are erect, branching at the base, become lignified with age, and are green or bluish-green in color. The ribs are sparse, but deep, located vertically. The spines are short, strong, straight. The flowers are large, appearing at the top of the stem, white, yellow, greenish or pink, with many long petals. After flowering, cacti form edible, round, fleshy fruits with a diameter of 2 - 3 cm. There is a cristate form of the plant.

Height. Up to 5 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

When kept at temperatures between 18 and 24°C in spring and summer, this cactus will enjoy the most intense summer heat. Wintering should be cool, but not lower than 12° C. Polaskia cannot tolerate negative temperatures.

Lighting

The shoots need to be provided with maximum sunlight in the morning and evening, as well as throughout the day in autumn and winter.

Care

Representatives of this genus are rarely found in collections, but are easily grown even by novice cactus lovers. In warm seasons, they can be taken outside, sheltered from wind and rain.

Substrate

Grow polaskia in porous soil with plenty of sand. 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. 

Feeding

Feed only during the growing season - in spring and summer with liquid fertilizers for cacti and succulents every month at half concentration.

Purpose

With age, plants take on impressive dimensions and require a lot of space to develop. The monstrous form of the polaskia is very attractive. 

Flowering time

Buds form in summer. The first blooms are fairly large cacti, about 60 cm high.

Air humidity

Does not require spraying; the air should be especially dry in autumn and winter. Prefers frequently ventilated rooms with good air circulation, but without cold drafts. 

Soil moisture

Water regularly in summer, but do not water again until the soil has dried out at least halfway down. Stop watering in the winter months. If the stems begin to shrivel, it is not getting enough moisture and the soil has dried out. Resume watering only when new growth begins, around May.

Transfer

With age, this cactus acquires impressive dimensions and requires spacious containers. Choose a deep container with large drainage holes and repot in the spring. Adult specimens need to be repotted approximately every 2 years. The root collar can be surrounded by a layer of fine gravel or coarse river sand for better drainage.

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in spring in damp sand with the addition of a small amount of peat. The cuttings are separated with a sharp sterile instrument in late spring and summer. The cutting site is thoroughly dried for several days. Rooting occurs successfully only at high air temperatures. 

Pests and diseases

Insufficient drainage may cause rot.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

In Mexico, the fruits of the polaskia variety are eaten fresh.