Bergerocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Southern California.

Description. Bergerocactus grows in groups, has 16-20 fuzzy ribs on fragile cylindrical erect stems up to 1 m high and about 5 cm in diameter. Every year, narrowings - annual rings - are formed on the shoots. Flowers are waxy, yellow, appear at the top of the stem, 2-6 cm in diameter, on prickly flower tubes. The outer petals are obovate, 5-8 mm long, lemon-yellow, with a green tint, the inner segments are narrower, oblong, 8-10 mm long. The stem is almost completely covered with golden-yellow spines up to 5 cm long, which glow in the sun. Fruits are round, 2-6 cm in diameter, purple-red, densely covered with spines. Seeds are oblong and flattened, black, shiny, 2.5-3 mm.

Height. Up to 1.2 m.

Bergerocactus - home care

Temperature conditions

The cactus can withstand short-term frosts down to -2°, but becomes prone to rotting. Prefers dry and very warm conditions. Winter care consists of lowering the temperature to 5 - 15° C. The plant needs a cool rest period in winter for abundant flowering.

Lighting

During hot midday summer hours, shade from direct sun, in the morning and evening provide the opportunity to bathe in the sun's rays. In the autumn-winter period, provide the most illuminated location.

Care

Encourage the plant to go into a dormant state by reducing watering and stopping fertilizing during the winter, since with poor lighting in winter, the stems stretch out and become thin.

Substrate

Standard cactus mix with high sand and perlite content, well drained.

Feeding

Fertilizers with a high potassium content during the period of active growth.

Purpose

A relatively easy to grow cactus suitable for hanging baskets.

Flowering time

Flowers appear in spring on stems that are 1 to 5 years old.

Air humidity

There are no special requirements, it tolerates dryness easily.

Soil moisture

Requires moderate watering, once a week or more often in the summer if the weather is sunny. Allow the substrate to dry out before watering again. Keep fairly dry as soon as temperatures start to drop in October and completely dry in winter.

Transfer

It grows relatively quickly and needs a lot of space for the root system; mature plants need to be replanted every two years.

Reproduction

Easily propagated by stem cuttings or seeds. Take the cuttings in spring or summer, let them dry and plant them in a fresh, slightly damp place.

Pests and diseases

Subject to invasion by scale insects and spider mites.