Arthrocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Brazil.

Description. Arthrocereus is a small cactus with colorful, fragrant, nocturnal flowers. The stems are erect, prostrate, cylindrical, bright green, branching from the base, about 2.5 cm in diameter, 25 - 70 cm in height with 14 - 18 not very prominent ribs. It has 40 - 50 thin radial spines, they are bristly, densely grouped, greenish-yellow, golden-yellow or red-brown, up to 5 mm long. Central spines 1 - 2 to 7.5 cm long. The flowers are large, showy, purple-pink, white or yellow, up to 8 cm in diameter, they smell pleasant, but open mainly at night. The flower tubes are very long, thin, often with soft pubescence or small spines. The fruits are green, scaly, round. These cacti grow quickly and produce impressive flowers, however, they are quite rare in collections.

Height. Up to 70 cm.

How to care

Temperature conditions

The home cactus does not tolerate cold, the winter minimum is above 10 ° C, for grafted specimens - 5 ° C. It prefers a temperature of about 20 - 25 ° C. 

Lighting

The plant tolerates direct sunlight, but prefers shade on hot summer days.

Care

Arthrocereus is not an easy species to grow; grafted specimens are much easier to grow. It grows quickly and produces showy flowers.

Substrate

It loves porous soil; a standard cactus mixture with a low pH will do. Avoid substrates rich in limestone - they stunt growth. 

Feeding

Fertilizers with a high potassium content during the growing season in half the dosage.

Purpose

An excellent indoor cactus for growing in a pot with large beautiful flowers and golden spines.

Blooming

Late spring - summer.

Air humidity

Spray only as a preventive measure to prevent pests from appearing.

Soil moisture

Prefers more generous summer watering than most other cacti. In winter, limit watering. 

Transfer

If necessary, the root system is quite weak and does not tolerate damage well.

Reproduction

By seeds, cuttings or grafting. Cactus seeds germinate in 7 to 14 days at 21 to 27 °C in spring under a plastic cover. Gradually increase the ventilation time once the plants are well established (after 1 to 2 weeks). Keep the seedlings out of direct sunlight. Allow the cuttings to dry out for a couple of weeks; they will root quite easily.

Pests and diseases

Prone to root rot. 

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