Eulychnia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin: Chile. 

Description. Eulychnias are very large tree-like cacti, often forming lateral shoots at the base of cylindrical stems. With age, the lower part of the shoots becomes woody, loses spines and becomes covered with brown bark. The shoots are covered with clearly defined numerous vertical ribs. Areoles often have attractive white pubescence. Spines are usually short and straight. Flowers up to 5 cm in diameter, white or pink, appear at the tops of the stems, open during the day. Monstrous forms are extremely diverse and decorative.

Height. In the natural environment it reaches 3-4 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

The cactus will easily survive the most intense summer heat. When kept in dry soil, it tolerates short-term frosts. In spring and summer, it prefers warm conditions at a temperature of 20 - 25 °C; in the winter months, a short cool period of rest can be provided at a temperature of 10 - 12 °C.

Lighting

Plants should receive sunbathing in the morning and evening. In spring and summer, they should be protected from sunlight during the daytime. In autumn and winter, you can provide a maximally illuminated windowsill.

Substrate

Very porous mineral soil for cacti and succulents with the addition of 30 - 40 percent coarse river sand. The substrate should have a slightly acidic pH. 

Feeding

Feed monthly in spring and summer with a high-potassium liquid cactus fertilizer. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength.

Purpose

A very valuable collectible plant, distinguished by a variety of shapes and sizes. 

Flowering time

Summer comes rarely in indoor culture.

Air humidity

There is no need to artificially increase air humidity. In winter, the air around the cactus should be dry. 

Soil moisture

Water sparingly even during the growing season. In their natural environment, eulychnias receive a minimal amount of moisture and feel great, so it is better to allow drought than over-watering. In winter, simply protect the soil from drying out completely. 

Transplantation

Young specimens are planted annually in fresh soil. Large cacti can be replanted every 2-3 years, in the spring.

Reproduction

Cuttings of lateral shoots, which are separated with a sharp sterile instrument and the cut site is dried for several days before planting. Reproduction by seeds is possible, but often only specialists can do it.

Pests and diseases

The shoots and root system rot due to frequent watering and stagnant moisture in the tray.

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