Cylindropuntia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. Cylindropuntia are branched cacti with green stems consisting of oblong segments cylindrical in cross-section. The segments are covered with low pyramidal tubercles, on the tops of which there are strong straight spines and rudimentary leaves. The flowers are attractive, although often half-closed, in pastel colors - yellow, red, orange or greenish, up to 3 cm in diameter, appearing at the tops of the segments.

Height. In culture no more than 1 – 2 m., grows quickly.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer the temperature ranges from 18 to 24 ° C, in the winter months there is a rest period at a temperature of 10 - 12 ° C.

Lighting

Good lighting is necessary for flower buds to appear. Shade plants only on very hot summer days. 

Care

Quite easy to grow indoors. Do not place cacti in hallways - the side shoots of cylindropuntia easily break off, and people passing by the flower can get hurt by sharp thorns.

Substrate

The soil should contain up to 40 percent of drainage material in the form of coarse river sand. A ready-made mineral mixture for cacti and succulent plants with a pH of no higher than 6.8 is suitable. Requires more nutritious soil than most cacti. 

Feeding

Feed with a water-soluble, high-potassium cactus fertilizer at half strength monthly in the spring and summer. Feeding begins with the beginning of new growth in the spring and ends in late summer - early autumn. 

Purpose

A plant rarely found in indoor culture.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

It is undemanding about air humidity, but prefers to be in well-ventilated areas with a constant flow of fresh air. 

Soil moisture

During the growing season, water so that the top layer of soil has time to dry before the next watering. In autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced, and in winter it is completely reduced to a minimum.

Transfer

Replant in the spring. Cacti can remain in the same soil for several years. 

Propagation

Cylindropuntias are propagated by stem cuttings. The cuttings are cut with sharp sterile pruning shears, and the cut site is dried for several days before planting. Root in a warm place, in a damp mixture of peat and sand. Seeds are sown in the spring. Often used as a rootstock for more demanding cacti.

Pests and diseases

With insufficient drainage and excessive watering, especially in autumn and winter, plants rot.

Among the harmful insects, the flower can be attacked by mealybugs, aphids, scale insects, and nematodes.