Happy Urban Dirt

Cactus fan? So I’m sure you’re familiar with the genus Pilosocereus. These bushy cacti look very impressive both in pots and in the garden.

But what do you know about them? Below, we have prepared an article to tell you about their characteristics, as well as the general care you should provide them with if you are going to buy one (or already have one).

What are pilosocereus tubes?

As we have already discussed, Pilosocereus are shrubby or arboreal cacti. They usually branch from the base and you know that they can reach 10 meters in height (although it is normal that if you have them in a pot, they do not exceed two meters). The stems have a diameter of 8 to 12 cm, but can be much thicker. In addition, they will consist of three to thirty ribs. They will have circular (or elliptical) shells that will be covered with long white, red or even black hairs. From these will grow from 6 to 31 thorns, more or less long, some from 10-15 to 40 mm long. They are golden (yellow), but they will also be brown, black…

As for the flowers, they are known to be tube- or bell-shaped. They grow directly from the stem and reach a length of 12 to 15 cm. (its diameter will be between 5 and 12 cm). They can be found pink or white, although they can only be seen at night.

If pollination is successful, the flowers will be followed by fruits, spherical in shape and quite gigantic. They can be about 20-45 mm long and 30-50 mm in diameter. At some point they will burst, releasing white, red, purple or pink flesh. You will find the seeds there.

In the plant kingdom, and specifically within this family, there are about 38 recognized species of Pilosocereus.

Pilosocereus Care

Now that you know the Pilosocereus genus a little better, What do you think about knowing what overall care you should provide? Remember that we leave them to you in a general way, but each species that belongs to them will have its own peculiarities.

location and temperature

The best place to place Pilosocereus is in partial shade. These are cacti that grow medium-sized (neither too ponderous nor too speedy). They will need a few hours of sun, but they don’t like it too much, so if there’s too much, they should be in partial shade. Of course, indirect lightweight, the more you can provide, the better.

It can be placed both in a pot and in a planted garden. Some of them can even be kept indoors, always near a very sunlit window.

One sign that can lend a hand you tell if he’s okay where you’re putting him is to touch his trunk. If you notice that he’s very gentle or that he even seems to be squirming, This may mean that there are problems with irrigation, but also a lack of lighting. So if you move the plant (if you catch it in time) you can save it.

As for temperature, it is a cactus that tolerates high temperatures quite well. But as for the cool, if it is accompanied by high humidity, it will be fatal to these plants. Therefore, it is convenient to protect them in such cases.

Subsoil

Although Pilosocereus can adapt to any type of soil, if you really want it to feel good, it is best to prepare a mixture that has a lightweight substrate.

Our recommendation is to operate cactus soil and add a bit of drainage to create a perfect base. It can be used both in a pot and in the garden.

Irrigation

Watering Pilosocereus is especially vital in spring and summer, when it should be watered moderately, always allowing it to droughty out between waterings. OtherwiseYou may notice that the roots rot easily.

And what happens in the fall and winter? From the fall on, it is better to prolong the risk until it disappears completely. It is not advisable to water cacti in winter, because with high air humidity they will have enough water.Additionally, this is a time when it is easier for it to rot, so keeping the soil droughty will lend a hand the cacti have a better chance of surviving the low temperatures and humidity of the environment.

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Although you don’t have to fertilize them, a little fertilizer from time to time won’t hurt. Of course, choose one that is ideal for cacti and above all, don’t operate the full dose that the manufacturer recommends, but half the dose is better.

Apart from, if you have replanted it this year, it is better not to give it any fertilizer because it already has the necessary nutrients and does not need more.

Plagues and diseases

In general, Pilosocereus cacti are not usually attacked by these pests, but caution should be exercised with some common pests such as snails and slugs. The cotton whitefly is particularly threatening.

However, if this happens to you, adding a little diatomaceous earth will be enough to repel the pests and keep them off your plants.

Multiplication

Depending on the type of Pilosocereus you have, breeding will be done one way or another. But generally speaking, breeding will be really uncomplicated.

This can be done by using sprouts or by dividing the plant when transplanting.

Of course you’ll need to wear gloves to avoid getting any thorns stuck in your way.

Another way to propagate Pilosocereus is through seeds. This is slower, however, and the seeds don’t have much chance of germinating. That’s why not many people operate it.

Of all the Pilosocereus species you can find, Pilosocereus pachucladus, as well as Pilosocereus azureus and Pilosocereus minensis, are the easiest to find (and cheapest).. Do you have any in your collection?