The unusual shape and simplicity of hymnocalycium made it one of the most common types of cacti. It is a spherical plant with curved spines, which can reach a height of 3 to 50 cm. The main feature of the hymnocalyucium is its ability to grow in any environment and adapt to different conditions.
- Main types
- Conditions and features of home care
- Lighting
- Temperature
- Watering
- Feedings
- How to transplant at home: soil and pot
- Breeding methods
- Seeds
- Side layering
- Growing problems, pests and diseases
Main types
In general, there are about 70-100 species of hymnocalycium, of which only 15 are cultivated at home.
- Gymnocalycium Andre (Gymnocalycium andreae) has a dark green stem of medium diameter (about 5 cm) of round shape. Blossoming is observed already at an early age in the form of light yellow inflorescences.
- Gymnocalycium naked (Gymnocalycium denudatum) is characterized by the presence of a spherical stem of a dark green color. Cactus can grow up to 15 cm in diameter and up to 20 cm in height. A distinctive feature of this type is the side shoots, which are formed on the sides on the bottom of the stem in the amount of 5-8 units. Flowers white color, less often - pale pink, large in size, located close to the crown.
- Gymnocalycium humpback (Gymnocalycium gibbosum) has a spherical bluish-green stem, whose height can reach 20 cm, diameter - 10 cm. Central prickles are observed in the amount of 1-2 units, radial - in the amount of 7-10 units. The flowers are white or pinkish, their length is about 6.5 cm.
- Gymnokalitsium Mikhanovich (Gymnocalycium Mihanovichii) is an artificially derived chlorophyll-free form of a cactus. The color of its flowers depends on the coloring particles: carotene and xanthophyll, giving, respectively, red and yellow shades. This type of hymnocalycium is not able to take root on its own roots, so it is grafted onto green varieties.
- Gymnocalycium Balda (Gymnocalycium baldianum) has a spherical shape and a bluish-green shade of the stem, which reaches 7 cm in diameter.The ribs are flat in shape, separated by grooves on the projections of the wedge-shaped form. The flowers of the plant grow 3-4 cm in size and have an unusual color for this species - purple-red.
Conditions and features of home care
Successful cultivation and reproduction of any type of hymnocalycium depends on the conditions in which it is placed.
Lighting
Cactus needs good lighting. Depending on the time of year, various nuances arise: light exposure should be carried out in the autumn and winter months, and in spring and summer - shading should be used to avoid burns on the plant.
Temperature
For hymnocalycium, it is recommended to adhere to room temperature at 20-24 ° C. In the autumn-winter period, it is necessary to reduce the air temperature to 15-18 ° C with a minimum of 5 ° C.
Watering
Gymnocalycium should be watered as the topsoil dries out in the spring and autumn period. From the beginning of autumn, watering should be reduced, and from the middle - sharply reduced.
Feedings
Feed the plant preferably in the spring and summer every two to three weeks with special dressings for cacti, which contain useful mineral and organic substances.In autumn and winter, the cactus does not require fertilizer.
How to transplant at home: soil and pot
These plants do not need frequent transplantation due to the slow growth rate, it is best to do this once every 2-3 years. Young cacti can be transplanted annually, preferably in spring. It is necessary to choose a new pot so that it is a bit larger than the old one.
Transplant is performed as follows: the root system is carefully cleaned of soil and dead parts, washed with hot water and left to dry for 2 days. After that, the plant can be placed in a new pot. The soil should contain leaf and sod land, peat and coarse sand. It is recommended to water it with acidified water.
Breeding methods
In hymnocalycium there are two ways of reproduction: seeds and lateral layers (children). Consider the distinctive features of each of them.
Seeds
This method is more reliable, since the probability of obtaining large and healthy offspring from seeds is much higher.The seed reproduction process is much longer and heavier than vegetative.
The main condition for this method of reproduction is the constant moisture of the soil in which the seeds are placed. The substrate for sowing can be chosen the same as for adult plants, but more fine-grained, having previously steamed it in the oven for disinfection.
The pot is desirable to take a small size with a shallow bottom. To maintain a constant moisture pot should be covered with a transparent lid. The ideal temperature for seed germination is 20 ° C. With the necessary light and heat, planting seeds can be done at any time of the year. Gymnocalycium at a young age grows rather quickly, and within a year they can be transplanted into separate pots.
Side layering
For hymnocalyciums, this method of reproduction is the fastest and easiest. Cuttings are separated from the parent stem, dried for a couple of days and then placed in a moist soil. Caring for cuttings is the same as for an adult plant, and does not require hassle.
If the lateral layer has its own roots, which are connected to the root system of the mother plant, it must be carefully excavated and placed in a separate pot. It is advisable to combine this operation with transplanting the entire plant.
Growing problems, pests and diseases
Gymnocalyciums are not fastidious in their essence, they adapt to various conditions and are resistant to pests. However, there are problems in growing this type of cactus, due to the following reasons:
- Wrong care.
- Use too hard water when watering.
- Alkaline soil in a pot plant.
- Damage to the stem during reproduction by lateral layers.
Red flat tongs and chervets are the main plant pests.
Rust stains indicate that the cactus settled red flat tick. This insect is very small, it is difficult to notice. Such a pest occurs mainly on young plants, since the skin of a mature cactus is too dense for it. The fight against ticks does not require much effort - it is necessary to wash the stems under hot water or lubricate them with ethyl alcohol.Pesticides can be used as a last resort if the pest threatens the entire collection of cacti. Another pest is a mealybug, it has a pinkish body and an air layer resembling cotton wool. Such an insect is located at the roots and on the stems of the plant, sucking out all the juice from it. You can get rid of the broom by washing the plant with hot water (but not boiling water) or by using insecticidal and universal preparations to kill the pest.
With proper care for hymnocalycium, this plant can become not only a decoration of your interior, but also a guarantee of good health and mood.Growing this cactus does not require special skills, even a beginner can handle it, the main thing is to follow all the rules of lighting, watering and temperature control. As a result, you will admire the beautiful flowering of hymnocalycium, which amazes everyone with an incredible range of shades and unusual shapes.