Hamatocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Central and South America.

Description. Hamatocactus is a low cactus with a barrel-shaped, dark green stem. With age, the bases of the stems become woody. Hamatocactus often grow singly, but sometimes form branches at the base of the shoots. The ribs are quite deep, numerous, located vertically or spirally. The flowers are very delicate, funnel-shaped, yellow, with numerous petals about 4 cm in diameter, having a silky sheen, appearing at the top of the plant.

Height. 7 - 30 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, normal room temperature. Easily tolerates intense summer heat. During winter the temperature is between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius with plenty of light. Withstands short-term frosts down to -2 ° C if kept dry. Requires a cool dormant period for abundant flowering.

Lighting

3 - 4 hours of direct sunlight per day promotes the development of strong, healthy plants and the formation of flower buds. Light shading is only necessary on summer days.

Care

Hamatocactus is quite widespread in collections due to its unpretentiousness and charming flowers. 

Substrate

You can use a ready-made mineral mixture for succulent plants and cacti. 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. Drainage can account for up to 40 percent of the total volume of the mixture. 

Feeding

Feed at half strength monthly in the spring and summer with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cacti and succulents that is high in potassium. In autumn and winter, fertilizing is not carried out - the plant needs rest.

Purpose

A small but elegant cactus that looks great at any time of the year.

Flowering time

Blooms profusely in the second half of summer.

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 in spring and summer until the soil ball is completely wet, be sure to remove excess water that has accumulated in the tray after watering. The soil should be dried between waterings. In the autumn-winter period, water very carefully - only to avoid drying out the soil ball. 

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out every 2 - 3 years, in the spring. The root system of this cactus does not like shocks, so it is better to use gentle handling. After transplantation, watering is stopped for several days. When planting, the root collar can be surrounded by a layer of sand. 

Reproduction

Hamatocactus reproduces mainly by seeds or grafting. The seeds germinate easily in loose soil with a high sand content, but it will take time for the first flowering to occur. If the plants form lateral shoots, they can be separated with a sharp tool and planted in damp sand, drying the insertion site for several days. 

Pests and diseases

With poor air circulation and frequent watering in the autumn-winter period, cacti rot.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.