Rooksbya

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. The genus Rooksbya consists of only one species of cacti. Most often, plants have a club-shaped, green, thin stem, which rarely produces lateral shoots. The ribs are deep, sparse, and vertical. The spines are thin, straight, and sparse. In summer, funnel-shaped flowers appear at the top of the stem, red or pink, up to 8 cm in diameter.

Height. It grows quickly with good care; in the season it can add up to 20 cm. In its natural environment it reaches 7 m in height.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Loves warm conditions and will enjoy the summer heat. Keep at normal room temperature during spring and summer. In autumn, they are moved to a cooler room with a temperature of 10 - 12 ° C. Does not tolerate frost. 

Lighting

Like most cacti, it requires bright light with some shading on particularly hot days.

Care

A hardy species that does not require much time or effort to grow.

Substrate

Can be grown in ready-made mixtures for cacti based on mineral components. The soil should have excellent drainage and a slightly acidic pH. Tolerates very nutrient-poor soils. The drainage material must make up at least 30 percent of the total volume of the mixture.

Feeding

Monthly during the growing season with fertilizers for cacti and succulents with a high potassium content and low nitrogen content. Fertilizers are diluted to half the recommended concentration.

Purpose

Over time it grows into a large tree - give the rooksbya plenty of room to grow. It grows successfully with minimal care; the greatest damage can be caused by high air humidity in the autumn-winter period.

Flowering time

Summer, unfortunately, rarely comes in indoor culture.

Air humidity

Do not spray; in autumn and winter, the air in the room should be dry. Likes to be in ventilated areas without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Water until the earthen ball is completely soaked, but between waterings, dry the soil at least halfway. In autumn, reduce the frequency of watering to a minimum - the soil should be almost dry. 

Transfer

Since this cactus develops quickly, it requires an annual transplant, which is carried out in the spring. With each replanting, slightly increase the volume of the pot. The base of the plant can be surrounded by a layer of coarse sand or fine gravel.

Reproduction

By grafting or seeds. Often used as a rootstock.

Pests and diseases

Cacti can rot if overwatered and insufficiently drained.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

Be careful when working with cacti as they have sharp thorns.