Pseudoacanthocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Brazil.

Description. Pseudoacanthocereus is a large, abundantly branching cactus with long, thin, green stems that can be either erect or climbing. In its natural environment it behaves like an epiphyte or lithophyte. The areoles with spines are located quite sparsely, the ribs are well defined. The spines are sparse, straight, thin and light. The flowers are large, luxurious, with numerous white petals and a yellow center, often have a very pleasant aroma, and open only for one night. The outer petals may be yellow or reddish. The flower tubes have small spines. After flowering, yellow fruits covered with spines are formed.

Height. 90 - 120 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

A heat-loving plant that can be kept at normal room temperature during the growth period. In winter, the cactus should spend a period of rest in a cool place - at a temperature of 10 - 12 ° C. 

Lighting

Lots of direct sunlight, especially in winter.

Care

Like most cacti, this species is very undemanding and hardy. Make sure your pseudoacanthocereus gets enough water, fertilize it regularly, and you will be rewarded with spectacular flowers. Most hobbyists grow the flower without any problems.

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.

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

Pseudoacanthocereus is unpretentious and at the same time has large, spectacular flowers, suitable for succulent collectors.

Flowering time

During the summer.

Air humidity

In spring and summer, spraying is possible in the first half of the day.

Soil moisture

Watering is somewhat more abundant than for other cacti. The soil should be kept moist during the growing season.

Transfer

Repotting may be necessary if your pseudoacanthocereus has outgrown its pot. When repotting, remove the old soil and trim off any rotten or dead roots, then place the plant in the new pot. Do not water the plant for a week after repotting - the moisture already contained in the soil is sufficient.

Reproduction

It is fairly easy to propagate from stem cuttings - just cut them with a sterile knife and replant in moist, well-drained soil. Allow the cut to dry for 1-2 days before rooting, this will facilitate the formation of new roots and prevent rot.

Pests and diseases

If the roots become black or excessively soft, this is an indicator of root rot - cut off the affected parts and replant the plant, while reducing watering.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.