That cacti produce spectacular flowers that is a fact, but that there are species that attract more attention than others ... that too, and if not that they tell anyone who enjoys the beauty of one that is popularly known by the name from Santa Maria.
Not only is it easy to care for, but it is also hanging, which means that growing it in a tall pot is a very interesting option. Would you like to meet him? Let's go there.
Origin and characteristics
Our protagonist is a hanging or epiphytic cactus whose scientific name is Disocactus speciosus (before Heliocereus speciosus). It is known as Santamaría and is endemic to Mexico and Guatemala. Develops stems up to 1 meter long, 1,5 to 2,5cm thick. These have very serrated ribs, with areoles from which arise 5-8 spines 1 to 1,5 cm long, pointed and erect, yellow or brown.
The flowers are large, 11 to 17cm long by 8 to 13cm in diameter, scarlet in color.. Once they are pollinated, the fruits begin to mature, which will be ovoid and will measure 4 to 5 cm when they finish maturing.
What are their cares?
If you dare to get a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
- Location: outdoors, in full sun or semi-shade. If you buy it in a nursery where they had it in the greenhouse or protected from the sun, do not expose it to the star king directly since it would burn. Get used to it little by little.
- Earth:
- Pot: universal growing substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts.
- Garden: it is indifferent as long as it has good drainage.
- Irrigation: twice a week in summer and every 10-15 days the rest of the year.
- Subscriber: from early spring to late summer with specific fertilizers for cacti following the indications specified on the package.
- Multiplication: by seeds and stem cuttings in spring.
- Rusticity: withstands cold and weak frosts down to -2ºC. If you live in a colder area, you should protect it inside the home by placing it in a bright room without drafts.
Did you know the Santamaría cactus?