| Description: |
Columnar, so covered with grey hairs that details of the stem structure are hard to make out. Flowers are red and white. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Growing Ease: |
Requires a little extra care |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in full sunlight coming from the South/West |
| Soil Type: |
Never use ordinary potting compost or garden soil, there are general purpose cactus mixes available. If you want to mix your own take:
2 parts barely fibrous garden soil, 1 part coarse sand or perlite and 1 part fine gravel.
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Keep the soil barely moist and if you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Water after sunset using warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed every two weeks with a water soluble fertilizer. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs, spider mites and scale. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Cuttings (let the cut end dry out first) and seeds
in the spring.
Cuttings should be planted in barely moist soil or sand, kept in the shade and misted lightly. Water very little until you're sure they've rooted.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
" Keep cool in the winter and cover the last 1"" (2.5cm) of soil with gravel to avoid stem rot. Reduce watering in the winter. Be careful not to over-water and provide good ventilation."
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