Phyllocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Central America.

Description. Phyllocactus is a large epiphytic cactus with branched drooping or erect green shoots. Young stems are flat, with age they become round in cross-section and covered with brown bark. Along the edge of the stems there are faint denticles with areoles. Instead of spines, the areoles contain small bristles. The flowers are typical for Cereus - large, up to 20 cm in diameter, white, red or pink, fragrant, on long flower tubes, open at night.

Height. The length of the stems can reach 6 m, but more often they remain within the range of 20 - 40 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

During the growing season, the room temperature should remain between 16 - 25 ° C. In the winter months, abundant flowering requires a period of rest, which the plant should spend in a cool place - at a temperature of 10 - 15 ° C. 

Lighting

Phyllocactus needs shading during the daytime, the sun can reach the shoots only in the morning or evening. In autumn it can be placed in the most illuminated place.

Care

An unpretentious species that is easy for beginners to grow.

Substrate

Loose soil that allows moisture and air to pass through well. A ready-made mixture for cacti and succulent plants with a high content of drainage material is suitable - up to 40 percent of the total volume.

Feeding

From spring to fall, feed with water-soluble cactus fertilizer at half strength every 2 weeks.

Purpose

Looks ideal in hanging baskets, with the long stems cascading beautifully over the edges of the pot.

Flowering time

The buds open in the summer months and bloom indoors only with good care.

Air humidity

With the onset of summer heat, you can spray the plants with water at room temperature. In autumn and winter, keep in a dry, well-ventilated area.

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 autumn, watering is gradually reduced. During the dormant period, watering should become scanty - they are carried out only so that the earthen ball does not dry out.

Transfer

Adult specimens are replanted every 2 years, in spring.

Phyllocactus reproduction

It is quite easily propagated vegetatively - using stem cuttings 12 - 15 cm long. The cut site is dried for several days before planting. Seeds can be sown in spring.