Akersia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Peru. 

Description. Akersia is a slow-growing cactus. The stems are round, long, often curved, light green, densely covered with oval areoles up to 1 m long and about 5 cm in diameter. The spines are yellowish with a dark base, up to 1 cm long; in the flowering zone they are usually lighter and longer. The cactus flowers appear on fairly large plants - at least 40 cm in height, very spectacular, pink, large - up to 6 cm in diameter.

Height. Up to 1 meter.

Akersia - care at home

Temperature conditions

A heat-loving plant, the minimum maintenance temperature is 10° C. In winter, a cool dormant period is desirable for abundant flowering. 

Lighting

Bright lighting with some shade on a summer afternoon.

Care

A very unassuming plant that is more likely to withstand neglect than careful care.

Substrate

Cactus mixture with a high content of coarse sand, perlite, moisture- and breathable.

Feeding

During the growth period, akersia is fed  2 times a month with standard fertilizers for cacti in half the concentration.

Purpose

An attractive large cactus for hanging baskets. A very rare flower for lovers of rarities.

Flowering time

Cactus blooms in summer.

Air humidity

Spray periodically if there is a lot of heat. The rest of the time the cactus will easily tolerate the rather dry air of living spaces.

Soil moisture

Water abundantly in the warm season, slightly drying the soil surface between waterings; in winter, reduce watering in accordance with the temperature.

Transplant

As the plant grows and needs to be replanted, change the soil in adult plants approximately once every 2-3 years.

Propagation of cacti

By seeds or vegetatively. Acersia cuttings are kept warm and dry until the cutting area is completely dry. 

Pests and diseases of cactus

Rarely. When flooded, rot appears.

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