Cephalocleistocactus
Family. Cactaceae.
Origin. Bolivia.
Description. Cephalocleistocacti are large shrubby cacti with branching vertical slender stems. The green stems of the plant bear frequent shallow ribs, abundantly covered with golden or light gray spines. The spines are straight, long, and almost completely hide the stem. A fluffy cephalium develops in the upper part of the cactus. The flowers are funnel-shaped, yellow, orange or red, appear in the cephalium, open in the daytime, often not completely.
Height. In nature it reaches several meters. Young plants are kept in indoor culture.
Cephalocleistocactus - home care
Temperature conditions
Heat-loving cactus, the ideal temperature is in the range of 22-30 C, in winter not lower than 10 C. A fan of sudden changes in day and night temperatures.
Lighting
It is suitable for sunny window sills, but tolerates light shade in the summer. Lack of light leads to stunted growth and distortion of shape.
Care
The cactus is easy to grow, drought-resistant, very sensitive to excess watering. It likes well-ventilated places and grows slowly. In the warm season, take the cephalocleistocactus outside - this promotes flowering.
Substrate
Tolerates poor soil with a high content of coarse sand. Requires good drainage and sufficiently deep pots. Drainage should be about 30-40 percent of the total volume of the mixture.
Feeding
Feed once during the growing season with a cactus and succulent fertilizer (high potassium, low nitrogen) diluted to half the recommended strength.
Purpose
Adult specimens will require a spacious room to develop.
Flowering time
Spring.
Air humidity
Needs constant good air movement, especially when the weather is cool or humid. Thrives well in the dry atmosphere of living spaces and does not require additional humidification.
Soil moisture
Water sparingly and keep completely dry during winter.
Transfer
Repot in spring when roots become crowded, usually once a year, to provide fresh soil. After transplanting, do not water for a week or more.
Reproduction
Propagated by seeds in spring or summer. Sow seeds in well-drained sandy soil and cover with a thin layer of sand. Keep under a plastic cap for 1-2 days to maintain high humidity. Germination takes about 1 month. Stem cuttings, which are rooted in damp sand after the cut site has dried.
Pests and diseases
Excess fertilizer leads to rapid growth, but also promotes the development of fungal diseases.
Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.