Harrisia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Brazil, Argentina.

Description. The genus Harrisia has about 20 species of plants. It is a large cactus, often with vertical, branching, dark green, thin, cylindrical shoots with a diameter of 2.5–6 cm. The stems of some species are segmented and divided into long sections. The ribs are longitudinal, each stem has 4–6 ribs. The spines are light, almost white, straight and long, sparse. The flowers are large, up to 15–20 cm in diameter, white with a greenish center or pink, nocturnal, with a pleasant smell. After flowering, the plants produce round, thorny fruits, which turn bright pink or red when ripe.

Height. Up to 2 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Harrisia is suitable for year-round warm keeping at a temperature of 18 - 25 ° C. In winter, the room temperature should not fall below 10 - 12 ° C.

Lighting

Brightly lit location with direct sunlight in the morning and evening hours. In autumn and winter you can provide maximum light. 

Care

Harrisia requires minimal grooming and will tolerate neglect.

Substrate

Mineral, air- and moisture-permeable soil for cacti. Sand and other drainage material should make up at least 30 - 40 percent of the total volume of the mixture. 

Feeding

In spring and summer, cacti are fed monthly with a weak solution of liquid cactus fertilizer.

Purpose

Harrisia is suitable for spacious and bright rooms where there is enough free space for development. 

Flowering time

Late spring – early summer.

Air humidity

It tolerates dry air well and does not need spraying. Prefers places with good air movement. 

Soil moisture

Water in such a way that the soil dries out a few centimeters deep before each subsequent watering during the growth period. In autumn, watering is slightly reduced; in winter, the frequency of watering will depend on the temperature.

Transfer

Harrisia grows quickly and needs annual replanting in spring. 

Reproduction

Stem cuttings in spring and summer. Separate the cuttings with a sharp sterile tool and dry the cut area before planting. Rooting in a warm place occurs easily and quickly - within 3 - 5 weeks. Harrisia seeds are sown in spring. 

Pests and diseases

Rot due to stagnation of moisture and insufficient drainage.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

Often used as a rootstock for finicky cacti. Cactus thorns can damage the skin of your hands - be careful when handling harrisia.