Roseocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico, USA.

Description. Roseocactus is a rather variable species. Some cacti look quite standard and have spherical, dark green, bluish and even purple stems that become cylindrical with age, while others have very tall tubercles that resemble leaves. The tubercles are sharp, triangular and have areoles. A light, fluffy cephalium often forms at the top of the plant. During the flowering period, the cactus is crowned with large, bright flowers - pink or white.

Height. It grows slowly and reaches 30 cm in a few years.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, normal room temperature. During winter the temperature is between 5 and 8 degrees Celsius with plenty of light. Withstands short-term frosts down to -2 ° C if kept dry. Requires a cool dormant period for abundant flowering. 

Lighting

Bright light with a little shade on the hottest summer days when sunburn can occur.

Care

Roseocactus is a demanding plant that is easily killed by beginners. Adult specimens may die for no apparent reason.

Substrate

A standard mineral mix for cacti with excellent drainage in the form of coarse sand or perlite. The mixture must contain at least half the volume of drainage material. It is better to grow in a substrate poor in nutrients.

Feeding

Apply fertilizers for cacti and succulents with a high potassium content monthly during the growing season. Fertilizers are diluted to half the recommended dose.

Purpose

A very attractive species, rarely found in collections.

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

During the fall and winter, keep the cactus in a dry atmosphere and provide it with sufficient air movement without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry almost completely before watering again. Reduce watering in the fall as soon as temperatures begin to drop in October and keep dry during the winter. 

Transfer

Roseocactus has a large and deep root system and needs deep pots. Adult plants should be repotted into fresh soil every two years or when the plant outgrows its pot. The root collar should be surrounded by a layer of sand when repotting for better drainage.

Reproduction

Roseocactus reproduces by seeds, but young seedlings develop slowly and often die. Grafting.

Pests and diseases

Prone to rot.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.