Arequipa

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mountain ranges of Peru, northern Chile at an altitude of 2500 to 3500 meters above sea level.

Description. Arequipa is a short, cylindrical cactus with dense, short, brown spines and bright purple or red flowers that appear only on mature plants. This species is quite variable in appearance. The cactus is spherical or elongated, erect or creeping, up to 30 - 40 (rarely 60) cm in height, 10 - 15 cm in diameter, usually grayish-green or bluish-green. There are from 10 to 20 ribs, they are large. The spines range from yellow to reddish, becoming dull gray with age. The central spines are up to 5 cm long, often curved, whitish, brown or almost black, flexible. Radial needles 1 - 3 cm long, thin, diverging, yellowish. Flowers appear at the top of the cactus, 2 - 3 cm in diameter, scarlet, purple-red, slightly curved, tubular. After flowering, barrel-shaped or ovoid fruits are formed, about 1.5 - 2.5 cm in diameter, light yellow.

Height. Up to 70 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Arequipa is a frost-resistant cactus, tolerates down to -7 ° C, and for a short time even up to -12 ° C if kept dry. However, in cultivation, it is better not to expose it to temperatures below 0 ° C, especially with high air humidity, as it is sensitive to root rot. In addition, low temperatures contribute to the appearance of unsightly spots on the epidermis.

Lighting

A well-lit window, but some types of arequipa are tolerant of poor lighting. 

Care

Feels quite comfortable in a small pot. Can be placed outdoors, warm during the growing season with some protection from the midday sun.

Substrate

Substrate for cacti with some coarse sand and perlite for water drainage. pH is about 5.6.

Feeding

During the growth period, 2 times a month with fertilizers at half concentration.

Purpose

An excellent plant for small “desert” gardens, in combination with other xerophytes.  

Flowering time

Blooms in spring - summer. 

Air humidity

Well ventilated rooms, tolerates dry air when central heating is on.

Soil moisture

The soil should dry out between waterings. Water regularly in the summer, during the growing season; in winter, almost completely stop watering. 

Transfer

In the spring, when the roots fill the pot, usually every year. After transplanting, do not water for a week or more.

Reproduction

Seeds. 

Pests and diseases

Keeping the soil dry throughout the winter is important to avoid root rot. High air humidity can also lead to fungal diseases.