Worth knowing:
The appendix „mirabilis“ of the botanical name already suggests the „marvellous“ sight of the huge blossom in relation to the size of the cactus. This is despite the fact that the initially globose and later lean column cactus is indeed one of the rather carefree cacti. It is quite small, and its cylindrical, only slightly spiny sprouts grow not more than 12 cm tall with a diameter of about 2 cm. Already after three years, the plant develops peduncles from the shoot tips that are also 12 cm long. During the night it slowly produces the huge, white-coloured and pleasantly aromatic flowers that also gave the plant in the Andes Mountains the name of „Flor de adoracion“, which means flower of adoration. The cactus only blooms one night at a time, but it produces always new flowers throughout the summer. As an insider tip, you can move your Flower of Adoration two hours before dawn at a dark place and the flowers will open up even before the night.
Natural Location:
The Flower of Adoration is mainly be found in the Argentinian provinces of Santiago del Estero, La Rioja and Mendoza.
Cultivation:
Seed propagation indoors is possible throughout the year. Spread the seeds onto finely sieved potting compost or cactus earth that contains about 25% sand and is moistened with a water vaporizer. For a light germinator you don’t need to put any potting earth on top. Cover the seed container with clear film to prevent the earth from drying out, but don’t forget to make some holes in the clear film and take it every second or third day completely off for about 2 hours. That way you avoid mold formation on your potting compost. Place the seed container somewhere bright and warm with a temperature between 20°C and 25°Celsius and keep the earth – preferably with a water sprayer – moist, but not wet. The first seedlings will come up after one or two weeks.
Place:
The Flower of Adoration grows in its natural habitat between shrub plants and prefers, therefore, a half-shaded place. During summer, it can also be kept outdoors in a light shaded spot.
Care:
Water the cactus moderate during the growth period and only when the upper layer of the earth has dried out. Watering too much or too often might cause the plant to rot. In a warmer climate it is advisable to spray the plant regularly with a vaporizer and provide fluid fertilizer for cactus plants every two to three weeks.
During the winter:
During winter, the cactus should be kept in a bright and dry place with a temperature of about 10° to 12° Celsius and with only sparsely watering. Cool temperatures during hibernation are mandatory for a rich blossoming in the next year.
Picture credits:
- © © Morena Massacesi - About © : Contact SAFLAX - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Frank Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Frank Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Sabine Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Sabine Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Sabine Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Sabine Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © © Morena Massacesi - . -
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