Cactus Cereus Peruvian: care, photo

Cereus refers to the most extensive genus of cacti, which unites about fifty species and many varieties. In natural conditions, the Cereus is a giant cactus, up to twenty meters high. In addition, these plants are long-lived. Their homeland is the areas of South and Central America, as well as the West Indies.

The main trunk of these plants eventually grows dull, and lateral shoots have well-defined large ribs. In addition to pillar-shaped Cereus, lovers of these strange flowers appreciate their monster-like forms, which are a lot of tangled, fused shoots, with outgrowths in the shape of cones.

Peruvian Cereus

This is the most common species in the family. In natural conditions grows up to seven meters in height. The stem reaches a volume of 90 cm, and then begins to branch abundantly. The branches, as a rule, are from 10 to 12, with a diameter of up to 30 cm. They are covered by a bluish coating. Areoles of young plants consist of a small number of centimetric spines, which are quite rare: on a new growth, the cactus is practically non-free. Old shoots have much more thorns. Large nocturnal white flowers reach 15 cm.

Cereus Peruvian has a long cylindrical stem. Duration of vegetation up to three hundred years. As a decorative garden and houseplant Cereus Peruvian is widely distributed in many countries of the world. Fans of this species appreciate it for juicy fruits with a delicate delicate aroma. They are used as a powerful and reliable stock. In indoor culture, the most common cactus is the Peruvian tsar of monstrous or rock form. We will talk about it further.

Cereus Peruvian (monstrous form)

First, let's see what a monstrous form is. This is a complex mutation at the gene level, due to which the plant finds numerous and chaotic growth points. The exact causes of this phenomenon are unknown. Artificial mutation is impossible.

Monstrous cactus Cereus Peruvian, whose photo you see in the article, unpretentious and fast-growing. It forms bizarre, and at times quite improbable growths of outgrowths, fragments of ribs and tubercles. Monster forms reproduce only vegetatively. Progeny, grown from seeds of this kind, can give individuals with completely normal development.

However, during a life such plants can mutate. So, on the plant of this form a normal shoot grows, perfectly developing in accordance with the species. But over time, he again may manifest monstrosity. It is interesting that it is almost impossible to predict the mutation.

Monstrous Cereus Peruvian, a photo of which can often be found in editions on floriculture, - the plant is unique. It is impossible to meet two completely identical samples. Its chaotic form of growth leads to constant changes. Over time, the outlines of the plant vary greatly. It is very interesting to observe this process. In addition, you can participate in the formation of the bush. For this, experienced flower growers are pruning.

Cereus Peruvian: home care

This cactus is considered a plant unpretentious. He is not too choosy to the soil, does not need to carefully observe the temperature regime and lighting. Thanks to amazing endurance, monstrous Cereus Peruvian is often used as a rootstock for more capricious and tender varieties of cacti. Using vaccinations, breeders managed to bring out a lot of unusually beautiful varieties.

The soil

We have already said that the Peruvian tsereus is an unprincipled plant. However, the most basic rules for caring for it must be respected. So, the soil for the plant is better to choose a neutral or acidic, but not in any case alkaline. The mixture should include brick crumb and sand. Cereus does not need rich soil with a high content of humus.

Lighting

Cereus Peruvian, care of which at home assumes bright, good lighting throughout the year, in natural conditions also prefers sunny places. It is desirable to arrange the plant on the south-eastern or southern window sill. Cereus is very fond of sunlight, including direct sunlight, but in summer and even in spring there is a danger of burns. To save the plant, it is necessary after winter to accustom it to the sun in a dosed, gradual manner.

Temperature

In winter, the temperature is considered optimal for the plant from +8 to +12 ° C. In the warm season, the Cereus tolerates fairly high temperatures, as well as their differences. In summer, the cactus will feel great on the open veranda or balcony.

Watering

Those flower growers who believe that cacti practically do not need water are mistaken. Watering the plant is mandatory, although it is moderate in spring and summer (after drying of the upper soil layer). In autumn it is cut, and in winter reduced to a minimum. Excess moisture for these plants is harmful, they quickly weaken and begin to ache. Water for irrigation should be kept and warm. In the heat it is useful to spray the cactus with warm clean water.

Top dressing

In connection with intensive growth, the Peruvian tsereus needs to be fed. It is better to conduct it in the period from May to July. For this, liquid fertilizers are suitable. By the way, many growers use water enriched with microelements.

The rest period

In winter, the cactus should be provided with a warm and bright place. Do not constantly turn the flower to sunlight. During the rest period, the cereus is not fed and rarely watered.

Transfer

Adult Cereus Peruvian can be transplanted for three to four years. The signal to the transplant will be the roots that have emerged from the holes in the pot or stopped growth. Remember that before planting the plant is not watered.

Pot for transplantation will need a bit more than the previous one (about 2 cm in diameter). It is desirable that it has a wide base, as the cereus grows actively, and over time it can turn the pot under its own weight.

Reproduction

In natural conditions, the chereus multiplies by seeds. Occasionally, the parts that have broken off from the stem stem. At home, monstrous forms propagate only to cuttings (vegetatively). Cuttings are cuttings, cut for a few days.

It is better to do this in the spring or early summer. Prepared cuttings are planted in a low pot and moisturize a little. After three weeks the cuttings will take root. After this, young cacti should be transplanted to a permanent place and watered in the usual way.

In room conditions, the tsereus can be propagated with seeds. They should be cooked from the second half of spring. The soil in a container with seeds should always be moderately moist. Before the first shoots appear, the pot can be left in the shade, then moved to a lighted place. Comfort temperature should not exceed + 18 ° C. In young plants prickles appear after four weeks. Immediately after this, cacti can be planted.

Pests and diseases

Described plants are seldom affected by the rules of care. To prevent diseases, they are treated with pesticides. To detect the onset of the disease, it is necessary to regularly inspect the lower part of the stem and the folds. Spots appearing on the cactus, speak of improper irrigation or pest infestation. We list the most common of them:

1. Mealybug. When they are injured, white spots appear on the plant with a fluffy surface.
2. Spider mite. It leaves on the cactus small red dots and the finest cobwebs, and eventually the stalk is covered with dead yellow spots.
3. Shields and falshnish. These pests are visible to the naked eye - small round or oval beetles drinking plant juice.

To combat them, spraying the plant with insecticides is required.

Rot is a serious fungal disease. It is shown by brown spots on the stem, soft and often depressed. When the disease affects small areas, the stains are cut to living tissue and the wound is disinfected. To do this, you can use alcohol. In addition, it is necessary to reduce watering.