Aporocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Southwestern Mexico, Central America.

Description of the cactus. Aporocactus currently belongs to the genus Disocactus, this popular, easy to grow plant has narrow, ribbed, fleshy, bright green stems, up to 1.2 meters long and about 2 cm in diameter with radiating sharp spines. Young shoots grow vertically, but as they age they bend and finally hang down. The plants bloom in spring and early summer with purple-red, sometimes pink and orange flowers. The flowers are tubular and quite large, about 5 cm in diameter. Flowering is abundant and long lasting, although each flower only lives for a couple of days. In the wild, they are lithophytic or epiphytic plants, growing on the ground or on larger trees. In cultivation, it is usually grown in hanging pots or baskets due to its beautiful long stems. When flowers are pollinated, cacti form round, red fruits.

There are numerous varieties of this species, some with deeply ribbed stems or shallow ridges. 

Height. Up to 1.5 m, grows quickly.

Aporocactus - home care

Temperature conditions

During the active growth period, normal room temperature generally tolerates a fairly wide range of temperatures - from 10 to 23.8 ° C, but not lower than 5 ° C and, of course, frost should be avoided. Enjoys the summer heat. 

When does bloom? 

The first buds appear already in February. The plant can bloom for 4 - 6 months.

How to care 

Like many other cacti, it is very easy to grow indoors and outdoors (as long as the temperature does not drop below 10°C), in a container or hanging basket. Do not move the plant with buds to another place and do not change the conditions of its maintenance - the aporocactus will shed its flowers. 

Reproduction

By apical cuttings about 15 cm long or segments of any part of the stem of the same length in early summer. Allow the cut area to dry for three days; then insert it about 2cm deep into a small pot. You can carefully support the cutting with a stick. Rooting occurs in damp sand for several weeks under a cover of transparent plastic or glass. Young plants are periodically ventilated for 15 - 30 minutes a day, and the ventilation time is gradually increased. Seed propagation is possible, but plants obtained in this way will bloom only after 7 - 8 years, when the shoots have gained sufficient length. Sometimes aporocacti are grafted onto other undemanding species. 

Transplant 

Since the cactus grows quickly, it should be replanted annually - preferably after flowering into a larger container. The main reason for replanting is to provide the plant with fresh soil, since aporocactus quickly uses up nutrients from the soil. Adult plants are replanted every 2 - 3 years. Does not like damage to the roots, so use transshipment together with a lump of earth. For planting, choose shallow and wide pots - bowls. Wear protective gloves when replanting, since your hands can easily be injured by sharp thorns.

Diseases and pests of aporocactus 

Aporocactus does not bloom if there is a lack of light or no dormant period during the winter months. With excessive watering, the plant may rot - the affected shoots should be cut off and the cut area sprinkled with crushed charcoal. The cactus does not bloom in low light. With insufficient watering, the tips of the shoots turn yellow and dry out.

This plant can be affected by mealybugs. If necessary, treat it with a systemic insecticide. Creeping stems can be affected by red spiders and other mites, as well as scale insects.

Watering 

It is recommended to water this plant frequently during the growing period; in winter, watering should be reduced. If the cactus spends its dormant period in a cool place, it is worth reducing the frequency of watering to a minimum. Let the water seep through the drainage holes into the tray, then remove excess water from it. For watering, use only softened water at room temperature.

Lighting

Requires plenty of sunlight, but no direct rays. Hang the pot or basket in a brightly lit place. If possible, keep the aporocactus outdoors in the summer to give it extra fresh air and light. The main difficulty in growing it is to provide it with enough light in the winter months, because it is in December and January that flower buds form. Place the plant at this time on the most illuminated windowsill; the use of artificial lighting does not always contribute to abundant flowering. Aporocactus requires 12-14 hours of daylight.

Soil for aporocactus

Loves fairly rich soil, preferably consisting of two-thirds compost and one-third leaf humus, the soil should have an acidic pH.

Feeding

Use a liquid fertilizer with a high potassium content, diluted by half, sprayed on the stems of plants once every two weeks only during the growing season and flowering. It is also possible to add fertilizers to irrigation water. Treats organic matter well - manure can be used as a top dressing. 

Purpose

This cactus has creeping or pendulous shoots that reach a length of 1 meter, so it looks good in a vertical display. These are ideal plants for hanging baskets. Make sure it is not hanging in a walkway where thorny stems could pose a threat. If Aporocactus is being grown in a pot, place it on a high shelf. Please note that the long and heavy stems of the plant may tip the pot over. 

Air humidity

There are no special requirements; spraying is possible on hot summer days. Prefers to be in ventilated areas with a constant flow of fresh air, but without cold drafts. 

Note

Needs fresh air; in summer it is good to take the plant out into the open air, but not into direct sun. Do not disturb or move the plant while it is preparing to flower.

Varieties:

Aporocactus flagelliformis

A spectacular cactus with long, hanging, thin stems up to 1.5 m long. In spring and summer, the whip cactus adorns itself with purple-pink flowers with a diameter of 5 - 10 cm, which can grow along the entire length of the stems. Each flower remains open for only 2 days, but the flowers replace each other. An ideal plant for hanging pots.