Cereusis a genus of 34 officially take over species of great columnarcactinative toSouth America . It is one of the oldest gens in the familyCactaceae , depict by Philip Miller in 1754 . Until the 1920s , Cereuswas used to describe any cactus with a very elongated eubstance , including columnar and epiphytic cacti . Over 500 species previously classified inCereusare now reclassified as separate genera .
Members of the genusCereusare generally shrubby or Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree - like columnar cacti with 4 to 10 well - set ribs line with quarrel of big areoles armed with several stalwart spines . Flowers are expectant , funnel shape - regulate , unremarkably white , sometimes pinkish , purple , and seldom clobber , xanthous or light-green . They are fragrant and nocturnal . The fruits of some species are edible . They are globose to ovoid , defenseless , commonly red but sometimes yellow with white or pink pulp . The seeds are enceinte , ovate , and shiny black .
The generic name " Cereus " educe from the Latinized physique of the Ancient Greek " κηρός , " mean " wax , torch , or candle " and refers to the columnar shape of the plants .
Private garden, Yucaipa, California, United States. Photo by Deborah Yoder. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
Growing Conditions for Cereus
MostCereusspecies are too large to grow indoors , but smaller and younger specimen can be kept at heart until they mature .
Light
Cereuscacti like full Sunday . They can handle fond shadiness but boom in direct sun during the summer . A gay window is a unspoilt bit to develop aCereusindoors . splay the pot a poop turn of events every week or two to encourage balanced growth . Get yourCereusoutdoors from springiness to pass for fresh aviation and extra light if possible . Increase sunshine vulnerability step by step to preventsunburn .
Soil
These cacti do not wish to have " cockeyed feet " and must be grown in well - run out soil . Use commercial-grade filth mixing for cacti ormake your own potting mix .
Temperature
From fountain to fall , Cereuscacti like red-hot temperatures between 70 and 95 ºF ( 21 and 35 ºC ) . In wintertime , cold to 50 ºF ( 10 ºC ) . Most species are grow outdoors inUSDA hardiness zones9a to 10b , 20 to 40 ° F ( -6.7 to 4.4 ° C ) . However , elsewhere , you could play your potted plants indoors for the wintertime .
General Care for Cereus
MostCereuscacti are easy to wish for and an excellent choice for beginners .
Watering
Water good from bound to fall during the dynamic growth time period , but appropriate the grease to dry out out before watering again . With the arrival of capitulation , gradually reduce the watering relative frequency . WhenCereuscacti are sleeping in winter , give them just enough water to prevent shrinkage .
Container - grown plants often command more water than their counterparts growing in open soil .
Fertilizing
During their develop time of year , Cereuscacti like regular fertilizing . A balanced , water - soluble fertilizer , diluted to 1/4 strength , can be added to each lacrimation . A 10 - 10 - 10 fertilizer is ideal . Instead of making a solution of water and fertilizer , there are also dry fertilizers . They are applied to the soil control surface or mixed with the stain when repotting . Do notfertilizeduring the winter .
Repotting
WhileCereuscacti are immature , you should repot each year in former outpouring to supply them with fresh filth , inspect the root system , and move them to larger pots if necessary . Once they suppurate , repot when your cactus is outgrow its pot . pick apart away onetime soil , rationalise out any dead tooth root , then substitute yourCereusin a new pot and backfill with fresh filth . Wait for a week or two before water the repotted cactus .
How to Propagate Cereus
Propagation by bow thinning is the easiest method acting to propagateCereusbecause seed propagation is a slow procedure .
Cuttings
Cut the top off aCereusstem and lay the press cutting on a paper towel in a juiceless location away from verbatim sunlight . Allow the cutting to callosity for a workweek or two before placing it in a well - draining grunge mix . Planting of the cuttings is better done when the cacti are actively growing .
Seeds
GrowingCereusfrom seeds is a process that requires a lot of fourth dimension and longanimity but is also one of the most rewarding experiences . Sow seed over the top of the dirt and softly press them down . Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate . furnish a consistent temperature between 70 to 80 ° F ( 21 to 26.6 ° C ) . Spring and summertime is the best clock time to seed the seeds .
Pests and Diseases of Cereus
Most trouble associate withCereuscacti are bacterial or fungal diseases induce by overwatering . They also do get the periodic louse pest .
Pests
Scale , mealybugs , and root mealy bug are the most mutual pest problems forCereus . Less common pests include spider mites and fungus gnats . These gadfly are difficult to control because they are small and fantabulous hiders , making them punishing to see .
Diseases
If the theme have become dark-skinned brown or black-market and overly cushy , the cactus could be experiencing root rot . Cut off the affect portion and replace the grease before replant . ensure carefully for black , dingy brown , or reddish spot on the cutting off surface . They should not be there .
Toxicity of Cereus
Cereuscacti are non - toxic to human race or animal . However , the spines are sharp , so keep away from children and pets .
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