The name of this unusual cactus, aporocactus, can be translated as “growing without support.” It does not grow in a column or in a ball; its long, round, thorny stems trail along the ground or hang out of the pot. Because of them, he received popular nicknames - “rat tail” or “snake cactus”.
This hanging plant has long stems, sometimes reaching 5 meters, while their thickness is only 1.5-2 cm. It also has ribs, from 8 to 12. They have spines in tiny tubercles. Their number in one halo can reach 20 pieces, they themselves are thin and long - up to one centimeter, and can be either light or brown-red.
This prickly plant blooms almost all spring: when one bud dries up, a new one appears in its place. The flowers of aporocactus are a bit like the flowers of the well-known Decembrist: they are large, bright, with oblong petals growing in several tiers.
You can read about how to care for this indoor cactus, how to propagate it and how to achieve beautiful flowering in our article.
Cactus Aporocactus: general description of the genus
Aporocactus is a genus of crops belonging to the Cactaceae. The second, more common name for this genus of cacti is Disocactus.
The main difference of this plant is its creeping stems, the length of which reaches up to 5 meters and the width up to 2 cm. The cactus forms many shoots of rich green color with aerial roots. The ribs are usually low and have small tubercles. The arrangement of areoles is dense, the entire stem is covered with spines. There are from 6 to 22 radical spines on the cactus, they are usually light in color, they are also red-brown, their length is up to 1 centimeter. There are fewer central spines - from 2 to 4, they are straight in shape and have a brownish-yellow tint.
The picture shows two species of Aporocactus cactus (source - commons.wikimedia.org)
This aporocactus cactus blooms in early spring. Bright flowers are painted in crimson and pink shades. They have a zygomorphic, elongated shape, their length is up to 0.1 meters, and their diameter is up to 0.06 meters. At the end of flowering, fruits of a spherical configuration are formed, they have a small bristly covering, their diameter is up to 2 cm.
The natural habitat of the culture is tropical America, usually the southern and central part of Mexico. In our latitudes, thorny bushes are suitable for home growing.
Aporocactus: characteristic features
In the literature, Aporocacti are still often called Disocacti, since changes in the classification occurred not so long ago. However, among gardeners these plants are considered almost synonymous. The differences are really insignificant, but they still exist - in the circumference of the stems: in Aporocacti they are rounded, but in Disocactus they are not. Botanists believe that the species closest to the genus of Disocactus is Aporocactus moengoffi, but we will consider many species according to the still widespread classification, which is still more familiar to most gardeners. Both species are closely related and very similar to each other both in cultivation conditions and in appearance.
Home care for Aporocactus
Blooming Aporocactus in a hanging pot
First, let us remember that this genus of cacti is common in tropical forests. The main conditions for trouble-free care are abundant watering and rich, well-drained soil. We will describe the conditions of care in more detail below.
Temperature
Caring for Aporocactus primarily involves maintaining optimal temperature conditions. It is recommended that the temperature in the room where the cactus is grown should not exceed +28°C. From extreme heat, the stems begin to deform and dry out. In winter (from October to February), you will need to adjust the temperature at +10...12°C. Watering is not performed in this case.
Lighting
The Aporocactus cactus prefers shade or diffused lighting. Plants need enough light, but not direct exposure to ultraviolet rays. In addition, you will need to gradually accustom the crop to the sun.
Watering
It is recommended to water Aporocactus abundantly only in the spring-summer season. This process is done after the soil in the soil is completely dry. With the onset of autumn, you can reduce moisture. In winter, soil irrigation is extremely rarely required, maximum – once a month. To moisten the soil, it is better to use soft water, previously kept in the room or slightly heated. A water temperature of +20°C is considered comfortable.
Fertilizer for cactus
These types of plants require regular feeding. To do this, they usually use a special fertilizer intended for cacti. The frequency of this process is once every 3 weeks. Fertika-Lux is considered a good feeding; the dosage is 2 times less than recommended on the label.
Humidity conditions
Experts also recommend paying special attention to air humidity in the room where crops are grown. During the growing season, you will need to regularly spray the bushes with water using a fine spray bottle. This procedure also eliminates the possibility of ticks appearing on the bushes.
As soon as the first rays of sunlight appear in February, begin awakening the bush to flower. To do this, spray in the morning, but only so that drops of water do not form on the stems. For this procedure, it is also extremely important to use warm and pre-boiled liquid.
Features of Aporocactus transplantation
Young Aporocactus cactus is replanted every year, and adult specimens are replanted after 2 years. The optimal period for performing this procedure is spring. The container for the culture is chosen to be shallow, since the bushes have a weak root system. It is preferable to use soil with a slightly acidic reaction. You can prepare a composition based on:
- turf soil;
- peat;
- sand;
- brick crumbs;
- fine gravel.
The components are taken in the proportion - 1:1:1:1/2:1. Additionally, a few pieces of crushed birch charcoal are added to the substrate.
Attention! Before transplanting Aporocactus, consider protecting your hands from thorns. To do this, buy thick gloves made of leather or rubber material. You can use paper or newspaper folded in several layers.
Holding the bush, the pot is turned over, the plant is removed along with the earthen lump. The root system is carefully cleaned of soil residues, after which dead roots (if any) are removed. Then the bush is placed in a pot, which is filled with soil.
How to replant aporocactus correctly
Since these cacti grow quite quickly, you'll want to repot them once a year, but only after they've had an active growing season and flowering.
Replanting greatly helps to replenish the supply of nutrients for the flagella, as they are quickly consumed. When transplanting, the best basket size for aporocactus is 20 cm, and the best pot size is 15 cm.
When the cactus outgrows the size of the pot or basket, it is time to discard the overgrown plant. Before discarding, propagate and grow new aporocacti. You can reuse existing pots, but you will need to clean them thoroughly first.
Cactus Aporocactus: propagation methods
The optimal way to propagate the Aporocactus cactus is cuttings. Cuttings are usually prepared from the upper shoots, the length of which reaches up to 7 centimeters. If the branches break off, then they must be dried for 2 days. After this, soil and a small layer of gravel are poured into the prepared container. Bamboo sticks are stuck into this composition, to which cactus cuttings are tied using a woolen thread.
Video of succulent propagation and transplantation
Up to 10 cuttings can be planted in one container. They need to be watered only after 7 days; first, use a spray bottle for this. The formation of roots can be observed 14 days after planting. At this time, the supports are removed, but it is important that the cacti do not fall over on the sides.
Reproduction of "rat tails"
This type of cacti is easiest to propagate vegetatively. Since the plant produces very long shoots, cuttings can be taken from them by dividing the lashes into pieces 7-8 cm long. The cuttings must be dried for a week, and then planted in a substrate usual for rooting, made from equal parts of peat and sand, deepened by 1-2 cm. This type of cactus should take root under glass or a cap, at an air temperature of about 20-22 degrees and with support very light but stable substrate moisture. Immediately after rooting, the cuttings should be planted in small individual pots.
Aporocacti are propagated by seeds very rarely, and the cultivation technology itself is in many ways similar to the propagation of other cacti. They are sown in a mixture of substrate and sand, kept warm and in bright light, with the grooves facing down. Rooting with light soil moisture may take more than 3-4 months.
Common species of the genus Aporocactus
Cactus Aporocactus flagelliformis
In the botanical literature you can find another name for this flower - Disocactus flagelliformis. The most popular type of succulent. It is also called "Rat Tail". The plant is distinguished by a large number of twining stems, their length is up to 1 meter. Small areoles form on the ribs, and the spines have a yellowish-brown tint. The flowers are pink, usually with a beveled corolla. The fruits are round and red in color.
Aporocactus lashed
A popular question among gardeners is how to care for the Aporocactus wattle cactus at home. Particular attention should be paid to feeding. For this purpose, substances for cacti are used. The bushes are fertilized throughout the summer. When replanting, it is extremely important to choose wide containers with good drainage. Do not over-water, as this may cause root rot.
The most important “enemies” of the crop are considered to be spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. To eliminate such pests, you will need to spray with Actellik. For propagation, the seeds of Aporocactus wattle are usually used.
Aporocactus martianus or Aporocactus Martius
The second name is Disocactus martianus. Also a popular variety of culture. It is distinguished by oblong shoots with 8 low ribs. On their surface there are gray spines. The flowers are usually dark pink. The diameter of the buds is large - up to 0.1 meters.
Aporocactus Martius
Succulent Aporocactus is an excellent choice for those who love thorny bushes and want to grow them at home.
Diseases and pests
Excess moisture can lead to the development of a fungal infection, leading to rotting. You should absolutely not overwater the plant, otherwise your handsome giant will die. Rotten stems must be cut back to healthy tissue, and the cut area should be treated with a fungicide or sprinkled with activated carbon powder. In case of severe damage, carry out an emergency transplant by replacing the substrate and disinfecting the container.
Among the pests of Aporocactus are spider mites, scale insects and nematodes. If they are found, you should bathe the plant under a warm shower. If pests remain, treat with an insecticidal preparation.
Types and varieties
There are five species of Aporocactus in the wild. Based on them, breeders have been able to develop a large number of varieties, but not all of them are equally suitable for home cultivation. Varieties and hybrids differ in appearance, demanding conditions of maintenance and flowering.
Among them, the following varieties of aporocactus are considered the most successful for home care:
- Braided
. The vegetative shoots are very narrow, a little more than a centimeter thick, but they reach 1.2 m in length, so the species looks impressive when grown on a flower stand or in a place from which the branches can hang freely. Eight ribs with tubercles are visible on the stems, from which bunches of needles grow. The needles do not exceed a centimeter in length and are colored yellow or gray. During flowering, rather large flowers up to 10 cm in diameter of a lilac or burgundy shade open. - Conzatti.
The bright green shoots are slightly thicker than those of the previous species, but also grow up to a meter in length. The bunches of spines have a brownish or yellowish tint, most often the spines are very thin. The bright red inflorescences have petals with a unique shape due to their strongly bent ends. The red fruit may also have spines. In the natural environment, it prefers to grow in the coastal zone on tree branches, therefore it is demanding on air humidity. - Martius.
Large inflorescences appear on thin long stems. Due to their large size, their number is not very large. After the dark pink petals wither, a large red berry forms in place of the bud, which looks very decorative for several more months. - Ackerman.
The shoots have jagged edges. Along the ribs are visible areolas with spikes capable of piercing the skin. Blooms often and readily. A large number of new hybrids are being developed based on this species. - River Pink.
A variety that is characterized by the appearance of a large number of inflorescences, filling the room with a delicate aroma during flowering. The smell may cause headaches for some people, so the culture is placed away from work areas and outside the bedroom. - Biformis.
A very branched form that resembles a lush bush. The lashes grow only up to 30 cm, so they often remain in an upright position. During flowering, small inflorescences open, covering vegetative shoots.
Temperature and light
for disocacti . Indicators of +15+17°C will become very comfortable for the plant. From October to April there is a period of rest, the heat level can be +12+14°C.
Regarding lighting , dysocacti require bright but diffused light. Direct sunlight can burn the plant stems. The south-eastern rooms in the house are well suited for placing pots of disocacti. It is necessary to place dysocactus plants further from central heating and air conditioners.
Botanical description
The name of this pet is Disocactus (lat. Disocactus). This genus of plants belongs to the Cactus (lat. Cactaceae).
The native habitats of dysocactus are Central America, or rather the tropical forests of this region. The cacti themselves belong to the so-called group of forest cacti.
This informal classification is derived from the form of existence of dysocacti and other members of the family with similar characteristics.
Disocacti lead an epiphytic or lithophytic lifestyle. This means that they prefer places to grow in tree crevices or on rocky surfaces.
Plants develop well on a substrate of rotted leaves, receiving all the necessary substances from organic residues. They prefer shady forest areas, although some species do well in open space.
The advantage of disocacti is their asymmetrical flowers, which have a funnel shape and a double inner and outer corolla of the same length. The color, which varies from pink to purple-orange with a transition to bright red, is a delight every day. Flowering begins in spring and can be repeated several times per season.
Disocactus flowers bloom during the day, adorning erect or drooping pale green stems with yellowish-brown spines. Some species have no spines. The shape of the stem itself is ribbed with a transition to rounded, sometimes stretches into a plane and resembles a belt.
Ampelous miracle from among the desert stars
Commonly known as “rat tails” and “snake cacti,” the plants today are equally often called aporocacti and dysocactus. But no matter what you call them, it is impossible to confuse these cultures with other representatives of the family. And their popularity did not suffer at all from the change of names.
Ideal in hanging baskets or tall pots, the stunning beauty of this climbing cactus is captivating at first sight. But even unusual shoots do not overshadow the main advantage of this group of indoor cacti - abundant and very graceful flowering. The bright pink or crimson colors of graceful flowers up to 10 cm in length seem to be created in order to contrast with the surprisingly long shoots.
In nature, cacti of the genus Disocactus grow, clinging to ledges of stones, rocky slopes, large branches, forming peculiar hanging cascades. A common feature for all cacti of this group is the presence of a highly branched stem, reaching 1 m in length with a thickness of only 1.5-3 cm. The shoots of the plant are covered with almost invisible ribs and bristle-like, shortened spines. In young cacti with rounded shoots, the stems first grow upward, and then under their own weight they droop and begin to hang down like whips.
In flattened ones they are densely branched. The bright green, glossy color gradually changes to grayish, and sometimes even muted silver or reddish. The flowering of these amazing cacti is mesmerizing. The plants grow tubular flowers up to 10 cm long with almost the same diameter, beautiful light stamens in the center and bent tongue-shaped petals, arranged in several rows and invariably curving towards the stem.
The pink-red palette contrasts perfectly with the color of the stems of disocacti. In favorable conditions, after flowering, disocacti produce round berries, covered with bristles and colored red.
Disocactus macranthus. Daderot
Humidity and watering
For dysocacti, air humidity should be at 65%.
In order to maintain this indicator, it is necessary to frequently spray the air near the plant or use a humidifier.
Disocactus is, in principle, able to tolerate temporary, but rare, periods of drought. In this case, diseases or pests of indoor plants may occur.
Water disocacti moderately and carefully. An indicator for watering can be the drying of the top soil layer in the pot. During the dormant period, which begins from mid-autumn to early spring, you can water the dysocactus even less often and with very small doses of water at room temperature.
