Espostoa

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Ecuador, Peru. 

Description. Espostoa is a small genus consisting of 16 species of large, abundantly branching at the base of cacti with erect, cylindrical, green stems. The ribs are low, vertical. Most species have luxurious long pubescence, in which light-colored thorns are hidden, very densely covering the body of the cactus. Flowers are 3-5 cm in diameter, delicate pastel colors - white, greenish or pink, funnel-shaped, with an unpleasant smell, appear on the side from the top of the stems, in a fluffy cephalium, open at night.

Height. In the natural environment it reaches 5 m, in indoor culture it does not exceed 1 - 2 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, cacti are kept in a temperature range of 18 to 30 ° C. The winter dormant period should take place at a temperature of 10 - 12 ° C.

Reproduction

Stem cuttings, having dried the cutting site beforehand. Seeds, which are only slightly pressed into the surface of the substrate, without covering it with soil. Seed germination is good.

Lighting

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

When does bloom? 

It blooms in summer, buds are formed only by adult plants aged about 10 - 30 years. Flowering occurs rarely indoors.

Soil

The substrate consists 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. The soil should have a pH of about 6.0. 

Transplantation

Espostoa grows slowly and does not require a lot of nutrients, so it only requires replanting every 2-3 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. 

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a high-potassium fertilizer at half strength. Stop feeding in the fall to allow for a rest period.

Purpose

A very impressive cactus, reminiscent of a fluffy cloud. 

Air humidity

Do not place the pot in places with high humidity - drops of moisture falling on thick thorns will cause rotting. Espostoa does not tolerate drafts.

Watering

During the growing season, water so as to completely wet the soil ball, but dry the top layer of soil to a depth of 2 - 3 cm until the next watering. In the winter months, the soil should be almost completely dry. 

Pests and diseases

Keeping them at room temperature during the winter months leads to thinning of the stems due to lack of light. Cacti often rot with the slightest over-watering. Of the harmful insects, the main danger is mealybugs, spider mites, and sometimes scale insects.

Note

Be careful with your hands when handling espostoa - these plants are armed with thorns. Do not place the flower pot in passages and corridors. With proper care, specimens of this species can live for several decades indoors.