Armatocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. South America at an altitude of 1000 to 2500 m above sea level.

Description. Armatocereus are large cacti from South America, often growing up to 12 meters in height in the wild. Annual rings are formed on the stems every season. The shoots are dark green, in some species with a bluish or white tint, cylindrical, erect, often branched with pronounced ribs - from 3 to 16. It has many spines, the length of which exceeds 10 cm, some species are weakly or completely spiny. There are no spines. The flowers of almost all species are white, but in some representatives they can be red, 7-9 cm long and 5-7 cm in diameter. The flower tubes have rare short spines. The fruits are oblong, often turning red as they ripen, 6-13 cm long, covered with yellow spines, dried flowers often remain on the fruits. The seeds are large and black. This genus is quite rare in collections.

Height. Up to 10 m in natural conditions; in culture they contain young plants of smaller size.

Armatocereus - care at home

Temperature conditions

It prefers a temperature of about 20 - 25 ° C, in winter not lower than 10 ° C, but some specimens tolerate lower temperatures for a short time if kept dry. 

Lighting

Direct sunlight or very brightly lit area.

Care

Not very demanding cacti, the main condition is proper watering.  

Substrate

Nutritious, with good drainage, containing coarse sand or perlite.

Feeding

Fertilizers for cacti in half concentration during the period of active growth, do not feed in winter.

Purpose

A beautiful cactus, rarely found in indoor culture.

Flowering time

In summer, at night, only adult specimens bloom.

Air humidity

There are no special requirements; it is quite possible to do without spraying.

Soil moisture

The cactus requires regular watering in the summer and almost complete dryness in the winter.

Transfer

As it grows, perhaps once every 2-3 years in the spring. 

Reproduction

It is better to sow the seeds in late spring - when they receive sufficient heat. Use a sand-based mixture. Remember that cacti prefer well-drained, porous soil that allows moisture to pass through well. The seeds are only lightly covered with soil. Leave the pot warm, cover it with a plastic cap, and periodically wipe off any condensation that may form. Young plants should not be placed in direct sunlight.

Pests and diseases

Harmful insects can include mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects.

Note

When transplanting a cactus, use gloves to protect your hands from thorns.