Escontria

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin: Mexico.

Description. Escontria is a monotypic genus consisting of 1 species. It is a very large tree-like cactus with abundantly branching shoots at the base up to 12 cm in diameter. The stems are green, with vertical, deep, widely spaced ribs. The spines are straight and short. Flowers appear abundantly near the tops of the stems, with numerous yellow petals, opening during the day. After flowering, dark red edible fruits appear.

Height: Grows slowly, but can reach impressive sizes over time.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, keep at a temperature of 18 to 24° C. Wintering should be cool, but not below 10° C. Does not tolerate negative temperatures. 

Lighting

Escontria should be given maximum sunlight in the morning and evening, as well as throughout the day in autumn and winter.

Care

Cactus is easy to grow, even for novice flower lovers, and is often used as a rootstock for more demanding species. The plant can be taken outside during the warmer months, provided it is protected from wind and rain.

Substrate

Plant in loose, porous soil with plenty of sand. The soil should easily allow water and air to pass through, pH no higher than 6.5. A mixture of leaf humus, turf soil with plenty of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. You can use a ready-made substrate for cacti and succulents.

Feeding

Feed only during the growing season - in spring and summer with liquid fertilizers for cacti and succulents every 2 weeks at half concentration.

Purpose

Escontria looks very attractive, but is only suitable for spacious rooms.

Flowering time

Buds appear in the summer months. It blooms for the first time when it reaches a height of 60 cm.

Air humidity

Does not require spraying, in autumn and winter the air should be especially dry. Prefers frequently ventilated rooms with good air circulation, but without cold drafts. 

Soil moisture

In spring and summer, water so that the soil dries out between waterings to a depth of 3-5 cm. In autumn, reduce watering, and in the winter months, when the cacti are in a cool place, simply try not to overdry the mixture.

Transplantation

Escontria grows to a large size with age and requires a spacious container. Choose a deep pot with large drainage holes and repot the cactus in the spring when new growth begins. Mature specimens need to be repotted approximately every 2 years.

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in spring in wet sand with a small amount of peat added. Cuttings are separated with a sharp sterile instrument in late spring and summer. The cutting cut is thoroughly dried for several days. Rooting occurs successfully only at high air temperatures.

Pests and diseases

If there is insufficient drainage, rot may occur.

Red spider mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

Escontria can live for a long time indoors, but it should be given enough free space to grow and develop. The fruits of this cactus are eaten both fresh and as jams.