Austrocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Argentina, Chile.

Description. Austrocactus is an interesting frost-resistant cactus covered with light and dark long needles. Different species differ from each other in spines, stem size and shades of flowers - from pinkish-yellow to pale pink and purple. The stems are straight, cylindrical, up to 8 cm in diameter with 9 - 12 ribs with clearly defined tubercles. There are 1 - 4 central spines, yellowish-brown or dark red-brown in color, 3 - 4 cm in length. There are 6 - 10 radial spines, they are lighter, up to 1.5 cm long. The flowers appear at the top of the cactus, whitish or pale pink, up to 4 cm in diameter (in some species they are yellow or orange). The fruits are spherical.

Height. 35 - 50 cm.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In cultivation, austrocacti overwinter in a cool, dry place (5 - 10 ° C), this is important for future flowering. Very frost-resistant cacti - can withstand up to -18 ° C if kept dry. During the growth period, the temperature is moderately warm – 20 - 22° C.

Lighting

It is very important to provide the austrocactus with bright light or even keep it in direct sunlight, in which case the plant will bloom in spring and summer. Only on very hot summer days is light shading possible.

Care

The plant would rather tolerate neglect than careful care.

Substrate

Well-drained soil, it is advisable to surround the root collar with coarse sand or perlite, this promotes rapid water drainage and good air circulation.

Feeding

Use a fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus and low in nitrogen, as it makes the stems of succulent plants too soft and full of water. 

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

There are no special requirements, dry indoor air is suitable.

Soil moisture

In summer it grows quite quickly if sufficient soil moisture is maintained; allow the top layer to dry before the next watering. During the winter dormant period, store almost dry.

Transplant

In the spring, when the roots outgrow the pot, usually every year to provide fresh soil. After transplanting, do not water the plant for a week. 

Reproduction

From suckers and seeds, in spring or summer, let the cuttings dry out for a few days before you plant them. Seeds are sown in spring in well-drained soil, simply pressing them with your finger, at a temperature of 22 - 24 ° C. Do not sprinkle the seeds with substrate, cover the seedlings with a plastic cap and place them in a warm, shaded place. Germination takes 7 - 10 days or more. At lower temperatures, germination usually takes significantly longer. The plastic cap is removed gradually increasing the ventilation time.

Pests and diseases

Prone to root rot.