Ancistrocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. USA (Texas), Mexico.

Description. The species is currently classified in the genus Sclerocactus . The name Ancistrocactus is derived from the Greek words ancistron, meaning fishhook, and kaktos, meaning thistle.
They are solitary or growing in small groups of 3-4 dark green cacti, subglobose or slightly elongated-club-shaped, 5 to 17 cm high, 5 to 8 cm in diameter, with large fleshy roots, often oriented horizontally. The ribs are spirally twisted, with dark green tubercles, 20 or more radial spines, they are pale yellow, fading to white with age. Often the cactus has only one stem, but mature specimens may have several branches.

The flowers are funnel-shaped, inconspicuous, located at the top of the plant, 2.5-3 cm long, 2.5-4 cm in diameter, greenish-yellow, light yellow, bright green with a yellowish tint (rarely pink or pale reddish) with a brown middle line. The flowers close at night, but may open again in the morning. The fruits are elongated, ovoid, with thin walls, about 15-30 mm. long, 1-1.5 cm wide, fleshy, greenish, acquire a pink or brown tint during ripening - in late spring or early summer. The root system is powerful, turnip-shaped.

Height. Up to 17 cm.

Ancistrocactus - home care

Temperature conditions

Like most cacti, this is a heat-loving plant and easily tolerates heat up to 40 ° C. They prefer coolness in winter and can withstand temperatures below -12 ° C if the soil is sufficiently dry. 

Lighting

It is necessary to provide as much sun as possible; a lack of light leads to slow growth, illness or even death of the plant.

Care

A relatively large and deep pot is needed to accommodate the large root system. This plant is relatively rare in collections; there is an opinion that it is difficult to grow on its own roots, since it is very sensitive to waterlogging and is prone to rot, and also grows slowly. For beginners, it is preferable to choose ancistrocactus grafted on a hardy basis. Blooms easily, but results will depend on your care and growing conditions. You can take it out into the open air in the summer - for example, on a terrace. 

Substrate

It is grown in soil with a high content of coarse sand (up to 40 percent of the total volume of the mixture), provides very good drainage, the soil should be slightly acidic.

Feeding

Feed only once during the growing season with a cactus and succulent fertilizer (high potassium, low nitrogen) diluted to ½ the recommended strength. Ancistrocactus thrive in poor soils.

Purpose

A small cactus, quite rarely found in collections, very good for lovers of curiosities.

Flowering time

Blooms in February-March.

Air humidity

It is necessary to ensure very good air movement in the room. Almost all problems arise from insufficient ventilation, especially in cool or very humid weather. Very dry air is required.

Soil moisture

Well adapted to very dry soils. Water sparingly but often, and keep the cactus dry during the winter. The need for regular watering will be indicated by small wrinkles that appear on the stem of the plant. Adult specimens easily rot and die, especially after transplantation, so be extremely careful with watering. 

Transfer

Repot rarely - cacti can grow in the same soil for many years. After repotting, stop watering for 10 days, especially if you are increasing the size of the pot. It is very useful to surround the thick root collar of the cactus with a layer of coarse river sand or fine gravel for better drainage.

Reproduction

Seeds, but they are quite difficult to germinate; many plants die within a year from waterlogging. Seeds can be sown in spring in pots with well-drained sandy soil and kept warm. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of sand. Cover the pots with glass or a plastic cover for 1 to 2 weeks after sowing to maintain a high level of humidity. Often these cacti are grafted onto rootstocks that are less sensitive to conditions. 

Pests and diseases

They are very susceptible to root rot even in adulthood.

These cacti are attractive to a variety of insects, but healthy plants with proper care are less susceptible to pest infestation. Sometimes red spider mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids. 

Note

Less experienced gardeners can be advised to grow grafted specimens; those more experienced will no doubt be able to cope with growing these cacti on their own roots in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Previously, the spines of this cactus were used by the Indians as fishing hooks.