Rhodocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela.

Description. Rhodocactus is a beautiful evergreen... cactus. The stems are thin, branching, and become woody at the base with age. The leaves are succulent, fleshy, lanceolate or oblong-oval, green. The leaf nodes contain long, sharp, straight spines. The buds appear at the tops of the shoots, very large and bright - pink, white, yellow or scarlet, up to 5 cm in diameter, often single. Each flower, unfortunately, remains open for only 2 days, but the faded flowers are immediately replaced by new buds. After flowering, attractive yellow, red or green fruits are formed.

Height. The cactus grows very quickly and in nature can form a tree up to 11 m high. In cultivation, the height can be adjusted by pruning.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Easily tolerates heat, as well as short-term frosts down to -2 °C, if the soil is dry. Sometimes, when exposed to too low temperatures, unsightly spots form on the trunk. In winter, the temperature should not be below 10 °C.

Lighting

Does not like direct sunlight during the day, but needs a lot of light indoors.

Care

An easy-to-grow species that can be kept indoors without much difficulty, it develops quickly. It can be grown as a large tub tree. After flowering, stems that are too long can be trimmed to maintain a neat shape.

Substrate

Well drained, light, sandy. You can use a substrate that is fairly poor in nutrients, but these plants prefer soil with a high organic content.

Feeding

During the period of active growth, fertilize cacti and succulents monthly.

Purpose

As the rhodocactus matures, it will require a lot of free space.

Flowering time

May bloom from spring to autumn.

Air humidity

Easily tolerates dry air from heated rooms. Choose a place where there is good air circulation. 

Soil moisture

In summer, during the growing season, water regularly, but allowing the substrate to dry to a depth of about 3 - 5 cm before the next watering. Keep practically dry in winter. Try not to water in rainy weather.

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out in the spring, when the tree has outgrown the pot and the roots have become cramped in it. As a rule, transplantation is carried out every year. After transplantation, try not to water for a week or more.

Reproduction

Seeds, stem cuttings.

Pests and diseases

With high air humidity and cool enough temperatures, root rot may appear. During prolonged drought, the cactus may shed its leaves.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

Rhodocactus is armed with very sharp thorns - place it away from the passages. When handling the plant, use thick protective gloves or remove the thorns from the plant.