Stetsonia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Argentina and Bolivia.

Description. Stetsonia is a monotypic genus consisting of 1 species of cacti. It is a large tree-like cactus with vertical, branched, cylindrical stems. The stems are green, sometimes with a bluish waxy coating, covered with vertical, clearly defined ribs. Areoles with dense felt white pubescence. Spines are long, straight, often dark. Flowers are large - 12 - 15 cm in diameter, white, funnel-shaped, solitary, open at night and wither the next day.

Height. In its natural environment it reaches 3 - 10 m in height. In indoor conditions it grows quite quickly.

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the growing season, normal room temperature is suitable; wintering is preferably cool, but the temperature should not fall below 10 ° C.

Lighting

Shade only during the daytime; in the morning and evening the plants can be exposed to direct sunlight.

Care

The cactus is rarely found in collections, but is undemanding and develops well on its own roots. 

Substrate

A ready-made mixture for cacti and succulent plants with a high content of drainage material is suitable - up to 30 percent of the total volume. The substrate should have a slightly acidic pH  of around 5.8. 

Feeding

In spring and summer, feed with water-soluble cactus fertilizer at half strength monthly. Feeding begins with the beginning of new growth in the spring and ends in late summer - early autumn.

Purpose

A rare cactus that will be appreciated by collectors. With age, stetsonia acquires impressive dimensions and will need enough free space. 

Flowering time

Buds form in the summer months, but flowering occurs extremely rarely in indoor conditions.

Air humidity

There is no need for spraying. Provide the cactus with a place with good air movement, but without cold drafts. In autumn and winter, the indoor air should be dry. 

Soil moisture

Water thoroughly until the substrate is completely soaked in the warm season, but between waterings allow the soil to dry out to 3 - 5 cm in depth. In autumn, the frequency of watering is gradually reduced and in the winter months the soil is dried to half its depth. 

Transfer

Repot your stetsonia as needed to replace the soil or pot size in the spring. Mature specimens usually need to be repotted about every 2-3 years.

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in spring, in a moist mixture of sand and peat.

Pests and diseases

Cacti rot when there is insufficient drainage, especially during the fall and winter. 

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear. 

Note

The fruits of the plant are edible and have a lemon flavor. Be careful when working with cacti - they have long and very sharp spines.