Arrojadoa

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Brazil.

Description. Arrojadoa is a genus of ornamental cacti, including 6 species. Shrub cactus, young plants have one erect, fragile stem, which branches out with age, can reach a height of more than one meter, with a diameter of 2 - 5 cm. Every year the cactus is covered with purple-red flowers in the upper part of the dark green stem, flattened at the top. There are from 10 to 20 ribs, the areoles are small, shortly pubescent, located at a distance of less than 1 cm from each other. The thorns of young plants are white, turning brown with age. There are 5 - 6 central spines, they are slightly longer - about 3 cm. Radial spines - about 20, 12 mm long. Flowers: pink, violet-red, located at the tops of the stems in inflorescences of 12 - 14, 1 - 3 cm in diameter with a short pink tube and numerous stamens, open at night. The fruits are spherical, red, juicy, oblong or ovoid, about 2 cm in diameter. The seeds are small and black. Arrojadoa grows relatively quickly in good conditions.

Height. Even a home cactus can grow up to 2 m.

Arrojadoa - home care

Temperature conditions

The dormant period occurs in October - April, keep it cool at this time - 12 - 15 ° C, it can briefly tolerate up to 4 ° C. At lower temperatures, the cactus can suffer serious damage or even die. 

Lighting

Very bright light is preferred. This will give the stem a bronze tan, and sufficient light will also stimulate flowering.

Care

Not the easiest plant to grow, not recommended for beginner cactus growers. 

Substrate

Requires nutritious but very porous mineral soil.

Feeding

Once a month, apply fertilizer at half the concentration; in winter, fertilizing is excluded.

Flowering time

Mid-late summer.

Air humidity

There are no special requirements; spray only rarely - only to repel pests. 

Soil moisture

Can withstand prolonged drought, but need plenty of water; allow soil to dry out before watering again. In winter, water approximately once a month.

Transplant

A weak root system is quite difficult to tolerate transplants and takes a long time to recover. Repot as needed in pots with good drainage. 

Reproduction

Seeds sown in February - March in light, sandy, porous soil. Cover the tray with a plastic cap to keep the cactus seeds from drying out. Germination will occur more successfully at temperatures from 18 to 22 ° C. It can be propagated by lateral shoots (if any) or by grafting. 

Pests and diseases

A weak root system is susceptible to rotting due to excess water.

Arrojadoa is susceptible to pest attacks mainly due to improper maintenance conditions. Harmful insects can include mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects.