Samaipaticereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Bolivia.

Description. Samaipaticereus is a monotypic genus, consisting of only 1 large tree-like cactus with thin, up to 8 cm in diameter, branched, green, cylindrical stems. Ribs 4 - 6, arranged vertically. The areoles are sparsely located and have long, straight, light spines. The flowers are showy, funnel-shaped, on a short floral tube covered with bristles, open at night, white. The diameter of the flowers is 4 - 5 cm. After flowering, round pink fruits appear.

Height. In its natural environment it reaches 4 - 6 m in height.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, normal room temperature. In winter, temperatures range from 5 to 15 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

A very bright place, with direct sunlight several hours a day.

Care

An unpretentious cactus that will eventually require a lot of free space to grow.

Substrate

Standard cactus mix with excellent drainage in the form of coarse sand or perlite.

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

Samaipaticereus is extremely rare in collections and is prized by lovers of curiosities.

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

Does not require spraying; in autumn and winter, when the cactus is in cool air, the air should be dry. Provide this cactus with a ventilated area with good air flow.

Soil moisture

Water in spring and summer until the earthen ball is completely soaked; be sure to remove excess water that has accumulated in the pan after watering. The soil should be dried between waterings. In the autumn-winter period, water extremely carefully - only to avoid drying out the earthen clod.

Transfer

Samaipaticereus easily tolerates transplantation, which is carried out every 2 to 3 years, in the spring.

Reproduction

Seeds.

Pests and diseases

Rotting due to insufficient drainage or excessive watering, especially in the autumn and winter months.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.