Setiechinopsis
Family. Cactaceae.
Origin. Argentina.
Description. Setiechinopsis is a monotypic genus of low cacti with dark green or brown, cylindrical stems. Lateral processes are formed very rarely. The ribs are vertical, often located, but clearly expressed. The areoles have short, dense white pubescence. During the flowering period, cacti throw out very long and thin flower tubes, at the top of which there is a single, but very large, white flower with long and thin petals. Flowering occurs at night. After flowering, the flower tube gradually begins to dry out.
Height. Does not exceed 15 cm.
Care at home
Temperature conditions
Keep this cactus at 18 - 24ºC during active growth. During the dormant period, daytime temperatures should be 13 - 15º C.
Lighting
Representatives of this genus prefer bright sunlight in the morning and evening hours. During the day, the cactus should be given light shade. Specimens grown in sufficient light have dark green stems with red ribs.
Care
Blooms easily and willingly in indoor conditions. To bloom next year, the setiechinopsis will need a winter dormant period. Move the cactus to a cool place and water it minimally. Do not disturb the plant during flowering - if external conditions change, it may shed its buds.
Substrate
With excellent drainage, consisting of peat, pumice, pine bark with the addition of perlite and coarse sand, pH about 5.8. Drainage should be at least 40 percent of the total volume of the mixture.
Feeding
During the growing season, 2 times a month with fertilizers for cacti and succulents in half the concentration. In autumn and winter, fertilizing is not carried out.
Purpose
A valuable collectible species that is not often found in indoor floriculture.
Flowering time
Spring Summer.
Air humidity
In spring, summer and autumn, normal indoor air humidity is allowed. During winter holidays, the air should be dry.
Soil moisture
Water sparingly during warmer months and allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings. In winter, reduce watering enough to prevent the earthen ball from drying out.
Transfer
Young setieechinopsis are replanted as the root system develops, every 2 years, in the spring into a pot one size larger. Do not remove old soil from the roots when replanting, but simply add new soil on all sides. Never replant during flowering.
Reproduction
Easily propagated by seeds. Young seedlings obtained from seeds bloom at the age of 2 years.
Pests and diseases
The plant slows down when there is not enough light. Rotting occurs when overwatered.
Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.
Note
Setiechinopsis may die in adulthood - replace it with a new plant.