Stenocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. Stenocacti are low cacti with spherical stems of dark green color. With age, the bases of the stems often become woody and brown. Most often, the cactus grows singly; lateral shoots rarely appear at the base of the stems. The ribs are numerous and very deep, often straight and vertical, but there are forms with wavy ribs. The upper part of the ribs may be colored reddish. The size and location of the areoles vary greatly among species. The upper areoles have very dense white pubescence. The size, color and shape of the spines are also very variable - they can be straight or short, white, brown or red, straight or curved. The flowers appear at the top of the stem, they are funnel-shaped, white pink or yellow, with numerous long petals, often the petals have a darker pink central stripe.

Height. It grows rather slowly, and even adults rarely exceed 10 cm in height.

Cultivation and care

Temperature conditions

Regular room temperature is suitable for growing this plant during the spring and summer. In autumn, the temperature is lowered and the dormant period takes place in the winter months at a temperature of 10 - 12 ° C.

Lighting

In the warm season, light shading is possible on hot summer days from the scorching rays of the sun. In autumn and winter, it is advisable to provide the most illuminated location.

Care

This cactus is easy to care for and can be recommended to beginner lovers of these plants. 

Substrate

The soil should easily pass water and air, pH not higher than 6.5. A mixture of leaf humus, turf soil with a large amount of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. You can use a ready-made substrate for cacti and succulents. 

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

Stenocactus looks extremely elegant at any time of the year. Its miniature size allows you to collect a large collection of plants on a regular windowsill. 

Flowering time

Blooms readily indoors in summer. 

Air humidity

There is no need for spraying. The location should be one where there is good air circulation. 

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

Stenocacti need spring replanting approximately every 2 to 3 years. Select a small pot with large drainage holes for planting. After transplantation, watering is stopped for about a week. 

Reproduction

Stenocactus seeds are sown in spring. When seedlings are kept in a room with a temperature above 20° C, germination occurs within 1 - 2 weeks. If the plant forms lateral shoots, it can be propagated using stem cuttings. 

Pests and diseases

Stenocacti love well-lit places, however, with prolonged exposure to sunlight they can get burned. Cacti often rot when overwatered, especially during the fall and winter.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.