Borzicactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Peru.

Description. Borzicactus is a branched cactus growing up to 1 m in height, with a juicy cylindrical green stem 10-12 cm in diameter, densely covered with yellow spines. The spines are numerous - 25-40, conical, the flowers are small, tubular, lemon, orange, red or pink, 5-6 cm long and 3 cm in diameter. They open during the day. They grow singly or in small groups. There are 18-30 ribs, the areoles are creamy white, located quite close to each other (up to 1 cm from each other), rounded. The spines are golden, changing color to dark brown with age, straight, up to 5 cm long. The fruits are oval, green, turning red as they ripen, up to 13 mm long and 8 mm in diameter, covered with small scales. The seeds are small.

Height. 1m.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Heat-loving cactus, the ideal temperature is in the range of 22 - 30 ° C, in winter not lower than 8 ° C. 

Lighting

It is suitable for sunny window sills, but tolerates light shade in the summer. Lack of light leads to stunted growth and distortion of shape.

Care

Easy to cultivate, drought-resistant cactus, very susceptible to excessive watering. Loves well-ventilated areas and grows slowly. In the warm season, take the borzicactus outside - this promotes flowering.

Substrate

Tolerates poor soil with a high content of coarse sand. Requires good drainage and sufficiently deep pots. 

Feeding

Once during the growing season with a fertilizer for cacti and succulents (high potassium and low nitrogen), diluted to half the recommended dosage. 

Flowering time

Spring.

Air humidity

Needs constant good air movement, especially when weather conditions are cool or humid. Provide him with very dry air. 

Soil moisture

Water sparingly and keep completely dry during winter. Mature plants rot and die easily, so be extremely careful with watering. Store in a dry place during winter.

Transplant

Repot in spring when roots become crowded, usually once a year, to provide fresh soil. After transplanting, do not water for a week or more. 

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds in spring or summer. Sow in well-drained sandy soil and cover the seeds with a thin layer of sand. Keep under a plastic cap for 1-2 hours to maintain high humidity. Germination takes about 1 month.

Pests and diseases

Excess fertilizer leads to rapid growth, but also leads to fungal diseases. These cacti attract spider mites, mealybugs and aphids.