Thrixanthocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Peru.

Description. Thrixanthocereus are large tree-like cacti with thin, vertical, green stems forming lateral shoots. Ribs numerous, vertical. Most species have long, straight spines that are silver or golden brown, often completely hiding the stems. A downy cephalium forms both at the top and on the side of the stem. The flowers are white, cream or pink, funnel-shaped, up to 4 cm in diameter, appear on adult plants and open at night. Fruits are edible.

Height. In the natural environment it reaches several meters; young plants are kept in indoor culture; it grows slowly.

Home care

Temperature conditions

It is thermophilic, in winter it is advisable to reduce the temperature to 8 - 10 ° C. It tolerates short-term frosts if it is in dry soil.

Lighting

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

Care

This beautiful cactus thrives in a warm and sunny location. 

Substrate

Standard cactus mix with the addition of coarse sand and perlite for best drainage. Prefers soils with an acidic pH no higher than 5.6. The drainage material must make up at least 30 percent of the total volume of the mixture.

Feeding

Every month, use liquid fertilizer for cacti and succulents at half strength. During the dormant period, stop feeding.

Flowering time

Summer, rarely blooms in indoor culture.

Air humidity

It is perfectly adapted to the dry air of heated rooms and does not require spraying. Likes to be in ventilated areas with good air circulation.

Soil moisture

Water sparingly, as Thrixanthocereus are drought tolerant, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the winter months, place the plants in a cool location and keep them mostly dry.

Transplant

Repotting is done only if it is necessary to change the soil or the size of the pot, in spring. Adult specimens need to be repotted every 3-4 years to change the substrate.

Reproduction

Seeds or vegetatively - lateral shoots. The cuttings are separated with a sharp sterile pruning shears and the cut area is dried for several days before planting. 

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.

Note

Be careful when handling the cactus, as the spines can scratch the skin of your hands. Wear gloves to protect against thorns.