Cereus species belong to the largest cactus genus, which unites about fifty species and many varieties. In vivo, Cereus is a giant cactus, up to twenty meters high. In addition, these plants are centenarians. Their homeland is the regions of South and Central America, as well as the West Indies.
The main trunk of these plants stiffens over time, and the side shoots have distinct large ribs. In addition to the pillar-shaped cereus, lovers of these outlandish flowers appreciate their monstrous forms, which are a lot of confused, fused shoots with outgrowths in the form of cones.
Peruvian Cereus
This is the most common species in the genus. Under natural conditions, grows up to seven meters in height. The trunk reaches a volume of 90 cm, and then begins to branch abundantly. Branches, as a rule, are from 10 to 12, with a diameter of up to 30 cm. They are covered with a bluish coating. The areoles of young plants consist of a small number of centimeter spines, which are located quite rarely: on the new growth, the cactus is practically non-short. Old shoots have much more thorns. Large nocturnal white flowers reach 15 cm.
Peruvian Cereus has a long cylindrical stem. Duration of vegetation is up to three hundred years. As a decorative garden and indoor plant, Peruvian Cereus 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 room culture, the most common special cactus is Cereus Peruvian monstrous or rocky in shape. We’ll talk about it further.
Cereus peruvian (monstrous form)
To begin, let's figure out what a monstrous form is. This is a complex mutation at the gene level, due to which the plant gains numerous and chaotic growth points. The exact causes of this phenomenon are unknown. It is impossible to artificially cause a mutation.
Monstrous cactus Cereus peruvian, whose photo you see in the article, unpretentious and fast-growing. It forms bizarre, and sometimes completely incredible, growths of outgrowths, fragments of ribs and tubercles. Monstrous forms reproduce only vegetatively. Offspring grown from seeds of this species can produce individuals with perfectly normal development.
However, during the life of such plants can mutate. So, on a plant of this form, a normal shoot grows, perfectly developing in accordance with the species. But over time, he may again show monstrosity. Interestingly, it is almost impossible to predict a mutation.
The monstrous Cereus of Peruvian, a photo of which can often be found in publications on floriculture, is a unique plant. It is impossible to meet two completely identical samples. Its chaotic form of growth leads to constant change. Over time, the shape of the plant changes greatly. It is very interesting to watch 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 unpretentious plant. He is not too picky about the soil, does not need to carefully observe the temperature regime and lighting. Due to its amazing endurance, Peruvian monstrous cereus is often used as a stock for more capricious and delicate varieties of cacti. Using vaccinations, breeders managed to breed many unusually beautiful varieties.
The soil
We have already said that Peruvian Cereus is a non-capricious plant. However, the most basic rules for caring for him must be observed. So, the soil for the plant is better to choose neutral or acidic, but in no case alkaline. The composition of the mixture should include brick chips and sand. Cereus does not need rich soil with a high humus content.
Lighting
Cereus Peruvian, care for which at home involves bright, good lighting throughout the year, in natural conditions also prefers sunny places. It is advisable to place the plant on the southeast or south windowsill. Cereus is very fond of sunlight, including direct sunlight, however, in summer and even in spring there is a danger of burns. To protect the plant, it is necessary after winter to accustom it to the sun in a dosed, gradual manner.
Temperature
In winter, the temperature from +8 to +12 ° C is considered optimal for the plant. In the warm season, Cereus tolerates fairly high temperatures, as well as their differences. In the summer, the cactus will feel great on the open veranda or balcony.
Watering
Those flower growers are mistaken who believe that cacti practically do not need water. Watering the plant is required, however, moderate in spring and summer (after drying of the top soil layer). In the fall it is reduced, and in winter it is minimized. Excess moisture for these plants is harmful, they quickly weaken and begin to hurt. Water for irrigation should be settled and warm. In the heat, it is useful to spray the cactus with warm, clean water.
Top dressing
Due to the intensive growth, Peruvian Cereus needs to be fed. It is better to carry it out from May to July. For this, liquid fertilizers are suitable. By the way, many flower growers use water enriched with trace elements.
Rest period
In winter, the cactus should be provided with a warm and bright place. In this case, you should not constantly turn the flower to sunlight. During dormancy, cereus is not fed and is rarely watered.
Transfer
Adult Peruvian Cereus can not be transplanted for three to four years. The signal for a transplant will be the roots that have crawled out of the holes in the pot or stopped growth. Remember that before transplanting the plant is not watered.
A transplant pot will need a little more than the previous one (about 2 cm in diameter). It is desirable that he has a broad base, since the cereus grows actively, and over time he can turn the pot over under his own weight.
Breeding
In vivo, cereus propagates by seed. Sometimes parts that break off from the stem take root. At home, monstrous forms are propagated only by cuttings (vegetatively). Cuttings are cuttings, dried for several days.
It is better to do this in spring or early summer. Prepared cuttings are planted in a low pot and moisten a little. After three weeks, the cuttings will take root. After this, young cacti should be transplanted to a permanent place and watered as usual.
Indoor cereus can be propagated by seed. They should be cooked from the second half of spring. The soil in the seed container should always be moderately moist. Before the first shoots appear, the pot can be left in the shade, then transferred to a lighted place. Comfortable temperature should not exceed + 18 ° C. In young plants, spines appear after four weeks. Immediately after this, cacti can be planted.
Pests and diseases
The described plants are ill rarely, subject to the rules of care. To prevent disease, they are treated with pesticides. To detect the onset of the disease, it is necessary to regularly examine the lower part of the stem and folds. The spots that appeared on the cactus indicate improper watering or infection with pests. We list the most common of them:
- Mealybug. When it is damaged by it, white spots appear on the plant, having a fluffy-looking surface.
- Spider mite. It leaves small red dots and the finest cobwebs on the cactus, and over time the stem is covered with dead yellow spots.
- Scale and false shields. These pests are visible to the naked eye - small round or oval bugs drinking plant juice.
To combat them, spraying the plant with insecticidal drugs is required.
Rot is a serious fungal disease. It is manifested by brown spots on the stem, soft and often depressed. When the disease affects small areas, the spots are cut out to living tissue and the wound is disinfected. You can use alcohol for this. In addition, it is necessary to reduce watering.