Austrocephalocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Homeland. Brazil, found at altitudes of 300 - 750 meters above sea level. 

Description. Austrocephalocereus are erect cacti, with stems 2 - 4 m high branching at the base, white, tubular, bell-shaped flowers. Stems: cylindrical, about 8 cm in diameter, pubescent with white hairs. The ribs are numerous (20 - 28), not pronounced, the areoles are abundantly covered with matted yellowish or white hairs, covering the entire stem. There are 2 - 3 central spines, they are yellow or brown, straight, 2 - 3 cm long. Radial spines are numerous, short, thin, hidden in the pubescence of the areoles. The flowers open at night, tubular-bell-shaped, white, about 4 cm in diameter, flower tubes with very small scales less than 1 mm long, or bare. The fruits are ovoid, pale pink with white flesh, about 2.5 cm in diameter; turn black as they ripen. The seeds are black, oval or pear-shaped.

Height. Up to 4 meters in nature.

Home care

Indoor temperature

The dormant period occurs in October - April; it is worth reducing the temperature to 12 ° C at this time; at lower temperatures, the cactus receives serious damage or even dies. The optimal temperature range is around 23° C.

Lighting

A brightly lit location is preferable. The stem may even take on a bronze tint in bright light. Good lighting stimulates bud formation.

Care

These tropical cacti are not the easiest to grow and are not recommended for beginners. They grow relatively quickly in good conditions.

Substrate

Loves porous sand-based soil with good drainage.

Feeding

Once a month during the growing season, apply fertilizer diluted by half the indicated dosage.

Purpose

Very decorative fluffy cacti.

Flowering time

Spring Summer.

Air humidity

There are no special requirements, no spraying is required.

Soil moisture

During the growing season, from April to October, cacti do not tolerate long periods of complete dryness, but if overwatered, the weak root system can rot. Let the soil dry out a little before watering again. They prefer more frequent watering in winter than other succulents, say once a month.

Transfer

The root system is weak and very sensitive; it takes quite a long time to recover after transplantation. Try to repot only as needed in a pot with good drainage. 

Reproduction

Exclusively by seeds sown in February-March in light, sandy, porous soil. Cover the tray with a plastic cap to keep the seeds from drying out. Germination will be most successful at temperatures between 18 and 22°C. 

Pests and diseases

Plants that receive proper care suffer almost no pest attacks, however, red spider mites and mealybugs may appear periodically. Prone to root rot.