Cephalocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. Cephalocereus is a small genus of 6 plant species. Large, sometimes abundantly branched at the base, cacti, most of which have long and very dense light spines. Stems are cylindrical, green or bluish-green, covered with vertical ribs. The length and color of the spines vary, but most often in collections there are specimens densely covered with long white spines. Flowers are large, funnel-shaped, pink, white or yellow, buds open at night.

Height. In nature, Cephalocereus reaches 15 m, in indoor conditions it rarely exceeds 1 m, grows slowly.

Care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, cacti are kept in a temperature range from 18 to 30 ° C. The winter dormant period should take place at a temperature of 5 - 16 ° C.

Lighting

Lighting affects not only the beginning of flowering, but also the length and density of the thorns. Provide this plant with the brightest possible light at any time of the year.

Substrate

The substrate for growing cephalocereus is made up of a ready-made mineral mixture for cacti or succulent plants and coarse river sand, which should make up at least 30% of the total volume of the mixture.

Feeding

Feed the cactus monthly in spring and summer with a high-potassium fertilizer at half strength. Stop feeding in autumn to allow the plant to go into dormancy.

Purpose

Cephalocereus is a very spectacular cactus that resembles a white cloud.

Flowering time

Buds appear in the summer months, and only mature specimens around 20 years old bloom.

Air humidity

Do not keep the cactus in places with high air humidity - drops of moisture falling on thick spines will cause rotting. This species does not tolerate drafts.

Soil moisture

During the growing season, water to completely wet the soil ball, but dry the top layer of soil to a depth of 3-4 cm before the next watering. During the winter months, the soil should be almost completely dry.

Transplant

Cephalocereus grows slowly and does not need a lot of nutrients, so they only require replanting every 2 to 3 years. It is useful to surround the root collar with a layer of coarse sand or fine gravel. After planting, resume watering only after 7 - 10 days. 

Reproduction

Propagated by stem cuttings, cut with a sharp sterile knife. The cut site is pre-dried for several days. Seeds are only lightly pressed into the surface of the substrate, without covering with soil.

Pests and diseases

Keeping cephalocereus at room temperature during the winter months leads to thinning of the stems under conditions of light deficiency. Cacti often rot at the slightest waterlogging. 

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

Take care of your hands when working with cacti - these plants are armed with thorns. Do not place the flower in passages and corridors.