Kleistocactus is a very beautiful succulent from the Cactus family. Its columnar stems are densely covered with needles. Sometimes spines wrap around the stem like soft hair, which gives the plant a special charm. The homeland of Cleistocactus is Latin America, where it occupies large areas. In the more northern regions, cactus is grown as a houseplant.
Plant description
Cleistocactus was first discovered near the Andes in 1861. In the genus there are plants with elastic, erect, branched or lodging stems. Under the ground, cacti have a branched and powerful root system that can receive nutrients from deep soils. When indoor growing, the Cleistocactus is 20-40 cm high, although some species grow to 4 m. Their stems have an almost regular cylindrical shape. The thickness of the stem can reach 2.5-10 cm.
Along the entire stem are not too expressive ribs in the amount of 15-20 pieces. Bristle spines are randomly scattered along the surface of the rib. They can be painted white, yellow, red or gray. Near the areola there are thinner and more direct spines 3-15 mm long. In the central part of the stem, they can grow up to 5 cm.
An adult plant about 30-40 cm tall throws a large number of buds that bloom almost simultaneously. Flowering occurs in mid-spring and summer. First, a bright growth is formed on the lateral surface of the stem, most often pink or red. Gradually, the flower bud lengthens and turns into a small sessile tube. The upper part of the flower reveals scales, turning into lanceolate petals.
Cleistocactus self-pollinates and forms fairly large fruits. They have a rounded or oblong shape and are also painted in bright colors. On the surface of the fruit there is a bristly, glossy peel. They remain on the stems for a long time and give the plant a very attractive appearance. Inside the fruit there is a fragrant white pulp with many small black seeds.
Types of Clematocactus
In the genus Cleistocactus, there are about 50 species. Moreover, individual representatives may vary greatly. The most striking and popular representatives are the following varieties:
Kleistocactus Strauss - The most common species with a long stem densely covered with silver needles. The stems often branch at the base. The species can grow up to 4 m in height and is more suitable for cultivation in winter gardens, then Strauss glue cactus in the photo looks especially beautiful.
Kleistocactus Winter has long creeping stems. Their diameter is only 25 mm and their height is about 1 m. The spines of the plant are very thin, bristly, they are painted in a yellow-green hue. Golden stems during flowering are densely covered with pinkish flowers with an orange core.
Cleistocactus Emerald has erect stems that can gradually bend. The needles of this species are rarer, but long and dense. Pink flowers densely cover the upper part of the stem and have an emerald edge.
Cleistocactus is Tupian. This species has long (up to 3 m), slightly curled stems of light green color. Across the surface are sharp spikes from pink to burgundy. On red flowers up to 8 cm long, a bend is also visible.
Kleistocactus Ritter. The variety is highly decorative. The relatively short stems are densely covered with long, soft spines of white color, which makes the plant appear fluffy. Scaly tubular flowers form along the entire length of the stem from the base and have a bright yellow color.
Breeding
Cleistocactus is propagated by seed and vegetative methods. Seeds for a long time retain germination and germinate quickly. Since the plant is intended for indoor cultivation, it is possible to sow seeds at any time of the year. A small greenhouse is organized for sowing. A mixture of peat and sand is poured into a flat container, slightly moistened and the seeds laid out on the surface. The container is covered with a film and left in a bright and warm place. Shelter is removed daily for several minutes, and the soil is sprayed as it dries.
With the advent of the first seedlings, seedlings are accustomed to an open environment. Watering is carried out in small quantities through a pan. Upon reaching a height of 3-5 cm, young plants can be transplanted into separate small containers.
During vegetative propagation, lateral processes or the crown of about 10-20 cm long can be used to obtain a new cleftocactus. The stem should be cut with a sharp, disinfected blade. The cut site is sprinkled with crushed charcoal and dried for 3-4 days. Plants are planted in medium pots with cactus soil. To deepen the stem into the ground is not necessary. To ensure stability, the stalk is propped up with chopsticks. When their own roots are formed, the support is removed.
Care Rules
Kleistocactus does not require much care at home, it is quite unpretentious. The plant is photophilous and resistant to drought. It needs a long daylight and diffused light. It is enough to place the pot not on the windowsill, but closer to the center of the room. The stems often bend, rushing towards the sunlight, so the plant will have to constantly rotate. It’s more convenient to put the pot in the greenhouse.
In summer heat, Cleistocactus needs regular watering. It is necessary to ensure that the soil completely dries out between waterings and is not covered with a whitish fungal coating. You can also spray the stem and occasionally wash it under a warm shower. This helps to control pests. From April to October, a portion of fertilizers for cacti is added to water for irrigation every week. In winter, top dressing is removed and watering is minimized. One irrigation in 1-2 months is absolutely enough.
In summer, cacti can be planted on the balcony or terrace. They are not afraid of small drafts and night cooling. The optimum air temperature is + 25 ... + 28 ° C. At rest, only + 10 ... + 15 ° C is enough. Cooling should not be allowed below + 5 ° C.
Every 2-3 years, Cleistocactus should be transplanted into a larger pot. The following soil mixture is used to plant an adult plant:
- sand (4 parts);
- turf soil (2 parts);
- leaf soil (2 parts);
- peat (1 part).
You can use a ready-made substrate for cacti, in which to add more river sand.
Possible difficulties
Cleistocactus is resistant to known parasites and diseases. Excessive watering and low temperatures can cause rot. The affected plant is difficult to save. You can chop several healthy stems for rooting and destroy the affected areas.
Sometimes the formation of lateral processes leads to drying out and death of the central stem. At the first sign of wilting, the stalk needs to be cut off and sprinkled with chopped charcoal.
Between thick needles in a hot, dry room a spider mite or mealybug can settle. If parasites are found, insecticides should be treated immediately.
