Cleistocactus (Cleistocactus) belongs to the variety of numerous succulents that are part of the family tree of the Cactus family. The stems are straight, reminiscent of upwardly directed columns, strewn along the entire length with spiny needles or dense bristles. The spines enveloping the stems appear in the form of a soft wool blanket, which gives the plant a charming appearance.
Cleistocactus comes from the hot Latin American countries. Here it covers huge areas and is found almost everywhere. In the north, the cactus is grown as a houseplant and kept in pots. In the summer they can be taken out onto the loggias or balconies.
Description of the plant
Cleistocactus was first discovered in 1861 in the Andes mountains. The genus has specimens with lodging shoots and straight elastic stems. The rhizome sinks deep into the soil, from where it absorbs the required amount of nutrients and moisture. The height of indoor cleistocactus together with the pot is from 20 to 40 cm. There are unique specimens of cacti, the length of which reaches about 4 meters. Stems are regular, cylindrical, less often curved. Thickness no more than 10 cm.
On the surface there are barely pronounced ribbed edges. Long or short setae-spines, colored in a white, yellow or red shade, are randomly located on the ribs. Tender, less thick spines stick out around the areola. The length of these needles does not exceed 1.5 cm. In the center of the plant, the thorns are noticeably lengthened.
Perennial cleistocactus growing up to 40 cm are capable of abundant flowering. The buds bloom in mid-spring or early summer. Colored growths form on the stems, which eventually stretch and turn into a bud, and then a sessile tube appears from it. The top of the bud is covered with thin scales, which gradually turn into lanceolate petals.
Self-pollination and the formation of large, bright fruits, protected by a bristly or glossy skin, are characteristic of cleistocactus. The shape of the fruit is oval or round. They decorate the plant and stay on the stems for a long time. The white tender pulp smells good and contains fine black seeds.
Types and varieties of cleistocactus with a photo
The genus Cleistocactus is subdivided into 50 different species. Some representatives have significant differences both in terms of structure and in terms of growing conditions. The most common species modifications include:
Strauss' Cleistocactus (Cleistocactus strausii)
The species has a thick silvery layer of short spines and long shoots branched at the bottom. The height of a cactus often fluctuates around the 4 meter mark. It is customary to grow such tall crops in winter gardens.
Winter's Cleistocactus (Cleistocactus winteri)
The stems twist and grow no higher than one meter.The needles, yellow with a green tint, are thin. The blooming cactus is covered with pink buds, the core of which is painted in a rich orange tone.
Emerald Cleistocactus (Cleistocactus smaragdiflorus)
The species is characterized by straight drooping stems. The layer of needles is dense. The sparse bristles are long and strong. The species blooms with pink inflorescences. The edges of the petals are framed by an emerald edging.
Cleistocactus tupizensis (Cleistocactus tupizensis)
Two to three meters tall plant with twisting light green thorny stems. The color of the thorns is pink or burgundy. The red buds also tend to bend like the stems.
Ritter's Cleistocactus (Cleistocactus ritteri)
It is considered the most decorative attractive species of all of the above, which is decorated with thick long needles. Due to the white color of the bristles during the flowering phase, the plant looks like a small fluffy lump. The tubular flowers are arranged compactly along the stem. They are painted in a yellow palette and stand out against the background of vegetation.
Cleistocactus care at home
Location and lighting
Caring for cleistocactus at home is not difficult even for beginners. Drought and sunshine will not harm the cactus. A cactus needs good natural light. However, it is better to place the pots in the center of the room, rather than on the windowsills. If the shoots begin to bend, this means that the perennial does not have enough light. Plants feel more comfortable in greenhouses.
Watering
In summer, in moments of hot sweltering weather, cacti are regularly watered. It is important to make sure that the soil has time to dry out between watering sessions. Waterlogged soil is covered with a white fungal bloom. The cactus is periodically sprayed, or a light summer shower is arranged. Such procedures will protect cleistocactus from pest attacks. Beginning in April, irrigation water is diluted with fertilizers. In winter, the plant is practically not fertilized and the amount of introduced moisture is reduced. It is enough to water the cacti in winter once a month.
Temperature
In the heat, the pots are placed on the balconies. Drafts and cold snaps are not dangerous for them. Favorable temperature for development is from +25 to + 28 ° C. However, cleistocactus may die if the seedlings are left in containers at temperatures below + 5 ° C.
Transfer
Two- or three-year-old specimens need to be transplanted into larger pots. Sand, turf, leafy soil and peat are used as a soil mixture. For convenience, a ready-made substrate is purchased in a gardening store, which is then abundantly diluted with coarse river sand.
Reproduction of cleistocactus
Cleistocactus is successfully propagated by seed and vegetative methods. Seed material is stored for a long time and sprouts easily. Since the plant belongs to indoor crops, sowing is allowed at any convenient time. The seeds must be kept in greenhouse conditions. The containers are filled with peat and sand. The surface is leveled and sprayed with water. Then the seeds are poured on top. Crops are placed under a film and stored in the light, providing daily ventilation. Spraying is carried out as soon as the soil dries up.
Seedlings are gradually accustomed to fresh air. Water the seedlings in a pallet method in moderation. When young plants grow 3-5 cm, they are seated in different containers.
Cleistocactus also reproduce vegetatively, with the help of lateral processes, which are cut with a sharp blade of 10-20 cm. The sections of the cuts are disinfected with charcoal and left alone until they dry out. Planting cacti is organized by medium-sized pots. The stems do not need to be buried too deep. As they grow older, the stems lose their stability, therefore, they require support in the form of sticks or other devices. When the rhizome is already strong enough, the props can be removed.
Diseases and pests
Cleistocactus is highly resistant to parasites and rarely suffers from disease. Excessive watering and a sharp cold snap causes the development of putrefactive processes. Affected cactus stalks are almost impossible to heal. The stems, which have not yet had time to touch the disease, are cut off and try to root again, and the most affected parts will have to be completely removed.
When the plant sprouts lateral shoots, the central stem weakens significantly and dries out quickly as a result. As soon as it becomes obvious that the stem is withering, it is cut off at the root, and the fresh cut is sprinkled with chopped charcoal.
In the midst of dense, dense bristles in dry climates, the likelihood of a spider mite or mealybug increases. In the fight against parasites, insecticidal preparations, which are sprayed on the affected areas, effectively help.
