Azureocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mantaro Valley.

Description. Azureocereus are slow-growing perennial cacti that eventually become tree-like with silver or green-blue succulent stems, with a large number of ribs - up to 20 and crowned with stiff vertical green-blue side shoots growing parallel to each other up to 3 m. in diameter. The spines are straight and hard in yellow-brown tones, becoming gray with age, up to 10 cm long. Large - up to 5 cm in diameter. White flowers open at night. There are cristate forms of this cactus.

Height. Under natural conditions up to 10 m tall

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the growing season, it easily withstands temperatures of about 30 ° C. Plants must be kept in a cool place - at a temperature of about 6 - 10  ° C  during the winter rest, almost dry. Tolerates frosts down to -5°C for short periods. However, when growing, it is best not to expose it to temperatures below 5°C, even in a protected location.

Lighting

In direct sun, lightly shade in the afternoon. If there is insufficient light, the stem may turn green. 

Care

Older plants often need support as they may fall over under their own weight. There are very attractive crested forms.

Substrate

Very well-drained soils with a high content of coarse sand.

Feeding

Fertilizers with high nitrogen content in half the concentration in spring and summer accelerate growth. 

Purpose

A large, showy species that will grow to impressive dimensions over time and may require a fair amount of space. Young specimens are often kept in collections.

Flowering time

Flowers appear in summer, only on plants more than 1 m tall

Air humidity

It prefers well-ventilated areas and tends to rot during dormancy in winter, so it is important to keep the air dry during this time.

Soil moisture

Grown in a nutritious and well-drained substrate, as it is very susceptible to rot, especially at low temperatures. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water regularly from March to October. Store in a dry place as soon as temperatures begin to drop in October and keep completely dry in winter at temperatures between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius. Reduce watering on cloudy, wet or cold winter days.

Transfer

Repot in the spring, when the cactus roots are already cramped in the pot, usually every year to provide fresh soil. After transplanting, do not water for a week or more. Use a pot with large drainage holes. 

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds in spring or summer, fresh seeds come out much better.

Pests and diseases

Attractive to various insects if the conditions of its maintenance are violated and the plant is weakened. It is affected by red spider mites, and sometimes mealybugs appear. The main problem with this plant is rot. Surround the root collar with coarse sand or gravel to help with drainage.