2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Echinocactus is one member of the cactus family. Mexican countries are considered the birthplace of this plant. This is a plant with a spherical stem, which, in its prime, resembles a barrel and takes on rather large forms in its build
The plant can reach a length of about one meter in width and height. The plant does not look like a bush and does not form shoots. Echinocactus is in most cases a domestic "pet", but in the wild conditions of nature it is possible to see barrels that have never had children. Such cultures are very rarely intertwined with each other. This fact is characterized as a small family in the case of a plexus.
The stem of this plant is dark green and has a glossy surface. In an adult plant, you can count from thirty to forty pointed ribs, enriched with nearby puffy halos, which merge on the upper part of the plant into yellow caps. Each halo in this case has a few strong golden needles. The size of such elements is about ten centimeters long, and they can be about three centimeters wide. In the common people, this plant is called the Golden Barrel. So he was nicknamed for his unusual appearance and beauty.
Echinocactus begins to bloom in late spring or summer. Those specimens in which the age reaches about twenty years begin to bloom, the stem increases in width about forty centimeters. The lonely yellow flowers are about five centimeters in diameter and seven in length. They are located in the form of a wreath at the edges of the cap at the top of the stem. Just like many cacti, the shape of the inflorescence is tubular, and the tube itself is lush. The corolla contains many lanceolate petals with very elongated yellow ends.
The plant must be provided with bright light for the whole year. It needs direct sunlight. If such a cactus is located indoors, it is better to place it on a windowsill on the south side. In hot summer weather, it is advisable to transfer the plant to the street under the scorching sun. If a cactus lacks lighting, then it can lose its needles, and the updated elements will be dull, pale and weak.
The echinocactus plant will feel bad in a hot place. In the event that the temperature is above thirty degrees, then the culture begins to grow very slowly, or it may completely stop further development. The cactus acquires peace in this state, which is generally not recommended for it.
For the winter, the plant must be left alone from autumn to mid-winter. During this period, the plant must be placed in a room where it is cool. The temperature should not be higher or lower than twelve degrees. If the temperatures are lower, the plant will freeze, brown spots will appear on it, and it will lose its appearance and beauty. In the worst case, this will lead to the death of the plant.
Echinocactus should not be watered too often. You need to wait until the soil in the container is completely dry. To do this, you need to use only water that has been settled at room temperature. The plant should not be watered often, because this can lead to rotting of the root system. For the winter at a chilled temperature, the plant may not be watered at all, if there is no need for this.
The plant does not require much moisture. It feels good under normal room conditions. He does not need additional hydration. If the echinocactus becomes very dirty, then it can be gently rinsed in warm water, and then cleaned with a brush or brush.
Echinocactus Gruzoni does not like loose soil, which is well supplied with air with minimal acidity. An ordinary store-bought ready-made soil for cacti is suitable for him. Gravel or finely crushed bricks should be added to the ground. Echinocactus rarely needs fertilization. If desired, feeding can be done once a month with a special fertilizer for cacti.
It is recommended to transplant the plant very rarely and only if there is a special need. The root system of this plant is very sensitive and very easy to harm. For transplanting, you can use a wire braided loop, which you need to grab the plant, and in this way remove it from the old pot, replanting it into a new one.
Echinocactus, in most cases, is propagated using seeds. They sprout very easily if you follow all the conditions that are written in the instructions.
