Espostoa is a cactus and is one of the representatives cleistocactus... It has a columnar frame and lower stems prone to branching. The height of shoots in wild species reaches up to 3 m. The surface of the terrestrial part is protected by numerous hairs.
The natural plantings of espostoas can be found in southern Ecuador, namely in the mountainous regions, or in the north of Peru. Cacti growing in their natural environment bloom with original bell buds. Their diameter does not exceed 5 cm. Only adult cacti have the ability to bloom. The flowering stage ends with the formation of elongated oval fruits. The surface of the fruit is covered with a hairy scaly layer.
In indoor conditions, woolly Espostoa (Espostoa Lanata) is often bred. Greenhouses are considered the best growing place, where a cactus, with proper care, turns into a beautiful and spectacular plant.
Flower growers are attracted to espostoas by their rare white pubescence, reminiscent of a woolen cloth. Domesticated varieties bloom on rare occasions. Their length ranges from 35-70 cm. In the center of the flowerpot there is a strong thick green-gray stem. Above the stems are enveloped by a thick layer of sharp hairs and spines.
Espoo home care
Lighting
The plant needs constant light. During the summer and winter months, cactus pots are kept under bright, diffused light.
Temperature
In spring and summer, it is advised to grow the esposto at room temperature, and when the cold snap begins, the pot is moved to a cooler room with an air temperature of 15-18 ° C. It should be remembered that the roots of a cactus freeze if the thermometer drops below 8 ° C.
Watering
While the esposto is actively increasing its mass, the roots are watered with great care, trying not to overflow the soil in the flowerpot. Adaptation after dormancy occurs very slowly in this species. This usually takes the whole spring and early summer. During the autumn-winter period, poor watering is provided. The moisture that has saturated the soil in one watering will last for a long time for the roots for normal life.
Humidity level
The cactus does not need to be additionally moistened or sprayed. In the heat, it is enough to ventilate the room and let in fresh air.
Transplant rules
At a young age, the espostoa is transplanted once a year. The new container should be larger in diameter than the previous flowerpot. A soil mixture with good air permeability and drainage properties is selected. You don't have to buy soil in the store, but prepare it yourself at home. You will need to take two parts of sod land, one part of leaf humus and two parts of marble chips. The components are thoroughly mixed and then poured into the pot.
Reproduction of esposto
Espostoa reproduces by rooting cuttings. A favorable time for the procedure is spring or summer. Before lowering the cuttings into peat, they are dried for several days.
Some growers are engaged in the cultivation of Espoo from seeds. During the germination phase, the room temperature must be maintained at 17-25 ° C.Sowing is also recommended in the spring and summer. A dry mixture of leafy earth and sand is taken as a substrate. The seed container is covered with glass and stored under bright, diffused light. After the appearance of fragile seedlings above the surface of the soil, the glass is removed so that further the cacti will grow on their own.
Sometimes it happens that some seeds germinate earlier than others, so they are planted in an empty container. Once the seedlings have been transplanted, the plants are not disturbed until a strong root system is formed. The final stage is the seating of matured cacti in different pots.
Growing difficulties
- Rotting marks near the base of the stem - excess moisture in the flowerpot. I want to change the watering mode.
- If the hair is covered with lime, you should immediately stop spraying the culture with a spray bottle.
