Pterocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Argentina.

Description. Pterocactus is a small, abundantly branched cactus at the base with a variable appearance. Depending on the species, it may have long and thin or shorter and cylindrical or club-shaped, green or dark gray stems. Stems can be either erect or creeping. The ribs are not clearly defined, but this plant has high tubercles. Light golden or grayish spines can be straight or curved and cover the stem abundantly. During the flowering period, not very large but graceful flowers of pastel colors appear on the tops of the stems - beige, yellow, cream, burgundy, orange or pink with many long petals. The petals have a silky shine. Pterocactus has a simply enormous tuberous root system compared to the size of the plant itself.

Height. 15 - 30 cm, grows very slowly. 

Home care

Temperature conditions

Representatives of this genus can withstand short-term frosts down to -2°, but become prone to rotting. Prefers dry and very warm conditions. Winter care consists of lowering the temperature to 10 - 12° C. The plant needs a cool period of rest in winter for abundant flowering.

Lighting

Very bright lighting is extremely important for the proper development of the plant. On hot summer days very light shading is possible. Pterocactus should receive direct sunlight every day - morning and evening.

Care

Easy to grow indoors and tolerates neglect rather than careful care. Encourage dormancy in the fall months by reducing watering and stopping winter feeding, as poor winter light causes stems to stretch and become thin.

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 with a high potassium fertilizer during active growth, monthly.

Purpose

Many species of pterocactus are planted at shallow depths to reveal an attractive and very large root system.

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

There are no special requirements, it tolerates dryness easily. Place the pterocactus in a place where there is good air circulation. 

Soil moisture

Requires moderate watering, once a week or more often in the summer if the weather is sunny. Allow the substrate to dry out before watering again. Keep fairly dry as soon as temperatures start to drop in October and completely dry in winter. 

Transfer

Repot in the spring when roots become crowded, usually every 3 years, to provide fresh soil. After transplanting, do not water for a week. Pterocactus requires a spacious pot. 

Reproduction

Stem cuttings can be rooted in spring and summer in damp sand; do not forget to dry the cut area a little so that the cutting does not rot. Seeds in spring or summer. Seeds are sown in well-drained sandy soil and covered with a thin layer of sand. Keep under a plastic cover for 1 - 2 to keep the humidity level high. 

Pests and diseases

Excess fertilizer leads to rapid growth, but also leads to fungal diseases. 

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear. 

Note

The cactus has sharp thorns - protect your hands with gloves and be careful when working with the plant.