Stephanocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Brazil.

Description. The genus Stephanocereus contains only 2 species of cacti with vertical, sparsely branched, thin, green stems. Young plants are spherical or club-shaped, and then the stems become cylindrical. The ribs are located vertically, numerous, low. The spines are long and straight, covering the plant very tightly and almost hiding the stem. A fluffy cephalium forms at the top of the shoots. The flowers are funnel-shaped, white or pinkish, open at night and often fade the next day. After flowering, the stem continues to grow, and a thickened ring forms in the place of the old cephalium. 

Height. In their natural environment, these cacti reach a height of 5 m.

Home care

Temperature conditions

The cactus is thermophilic and easily tolerates the most intense summer heat. In winter, it is advisable to reduce the temperature to 8 - 12 ° C so that the cactus enters a dormant period. 

Lighting

A very bright place, with direct sunlight for several hours a day. Shading is possible only during the daytime in late spring and summer.

Substrate

The soil should easily pass water and air, pH not higher than 6.0. 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. The drainage material should make up about 40 percent of the total volume of the mixture.

Feeding

In spring and summer, monthly fertilizing is carried out with water-soluble fertilizers specially designed for cacti. You can increase the frequency of fertilizing up to 2 times a month, but in this case it is better to dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended dose. In the fall, feeding is stopped.

Purpose

Stephanocereus is extremely rare in collections and will suit lovers of rare cacti. Very attractive, fluffy appearance.

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

It is perfectly adapted to the dry air of heated rooms and does not require spraying. In autumn and winter, the air around the plant should be dry; a location with good air circulation will be appreciated.

Soil moisture

In spring and summer, water in such a way that the soil dries out between waterings to a depth of 3 - 5 cm. In the fall, watering is reduced, and in the winter months, when the cacti are cool, they simply try not to dry out the mixture.

Transplant

Replanting is carried out in the spring, approximately every 2 - 3 years, to change the soil or size of the pot.

Reproduction

Seeds that are sown in spring in a damp mixture of peat and sand.

Pests and diseases

Rot occurs due to excessive watering and insufficient drainage.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

Stephanocereus has many long spines - protect your hands with gloves when handling the plant.