Cephalocereus (Cephalocereus) - these are stolbovidnye cacti come from from mexico. Their maximum size at home can reach 35 cm (in nature - 15 m).
Like most plants growing in arid climates, these desert cacti are succulents that accumulate moisture.
They feel great in the greenhouses, and on the windowsills of apartments on the sunny side.
Often cephalotreus become part of the phytocomposition. However, only young plants have a decorative effect - with age, their stem begins to darken from below, and the cactus does not look so impressive. Nevertheless, if you take care of the plant properly, it will live for a very long time and please its owners with good health and impeccable appearance.
Kinds
Cephalocereus Senile or Senilis (Cephalocereus senilis) covered with thick long (up to 10 cm) white hairs that make it look like a gray head - hence the name and nickname "Old Man's Head".
Among the 50 species of Cephalotreus this species is the most popular and loved by the owners of cacti.
First of all, of course, because of its original white cover. Meanwhile, Cephalotsereus is a rather moody pet.
It should be protected from waterlogging, the hair should be regularly disentangled and protected from too dry air, dust and dirt. And yet - the gray-haired Mexican is worth it.
Cactus with the name Palmer wrongly attributed to Cephalotreus. In fact, this Pilosocereus Palmer (Pilosocereus leucocephalus / palmeri).
This cactus also has a cap of white hair, but unlike the thick hairstyle of the Cephalotsereus, Palmer has the down only on the top of the stem.
The rest of the columnar stem branched bluish or greenish shoots that have a noticeable blue shade.
Cactus Pilosocereus Herma (Pilosocereus hermii) also has fluff (cephaly) at the apex, in the flowering zone. A side (false) pseudo-cephaly may also appear. Thick columnar stem slightly branches. It is covered with wide ribs with tightly spaced areoles.
Another view Pilozozereus - Tolstotovtvisty. He fluff is located in the upper areola. The stem of the young plant is a pale blue color, covered with six ribs and tufts of spines.
It is thin and rather short, and the processes, unlike the previous species, are located at its base.
A photo
Home care
Features care after purchase
The first time after buying a cactus is better not to disturb: put it in a bright place and let it get used to the new climate, humidity and lighting. To flush with "shag" Cephalotsereus street dust and dirt, you can spray it with water from the sprayer, but you should not get involved.
If the plant was sold in a small pot and it seems to you that the cactus is cramped in it, do not rush to transplant - it is better to postpone it in the spring.
Bloom
Unfortunately, at home Cephalotreus never bloom. Perhaps due to the fact that they can not reach the required height. However, cacti of this species can bloom in greenhouses - at any time of the year.
At the top of the plant, around the top of the stem is formed firm gray fluff (cephaly)from which buds appear.
They open only for one night and represent funnels of a creamy-pink shade. about 7 cm in diameter and 10 s in length.
Lighting
The more light the Cephalotsereus receives, the better for him. He is not afraid of excessive lighting, as he is protected from burns with his hairs.
But with a lack of sunlight, the cactus will begin to stretch, its hairs will be short, and the plant will lose its recognizable appeal.
Therefore, the best option could be a south window. Only in the spring the cactus will be better to slightly apply until active vegetation begins.
Temperature
Optimum temperature during plant dormancy (from October to April): + 10-15 C.
During the winter cold, Cephalotreus require even lower temperatures. The rest of the time, the cactus is quite comfortable with the usual room temperature.
Air humidity
Dry air is destructive for Cephalotreus: because of it, the hairs will become painfully faded and brittle. Therefore, it is better to keep the cactus away from batteries and heaters.
However, the overwetted air does not like the plant either.
It is best to occasionally spray it with water from a small dispenser, but in no case should you wash it in the shower with shampoo or soap.
In the extreme case, if "gray" cactus too dirty, you can use a very small amount of soap.
In the warm season it will be useful to sometimes take the cactus to fresh air - to the open balcony, well-ventilated loggia or to the garden.
Watering
Watering cacti should be very sparingly, otherwise they will begin to rot. It is better to do it with warm water. During the period of rest, from October to April, it is not necessary to water Cephalotreus plants at all.
Fertilizers (dressing)
To fertilize the land for Cephalotreus need to feed developed for cacti. Calcium components can be added to it - they will favorably affect the condition of the hairs. Benefit will bring and crushed eggshell or a portion of old lime in the percentage ratio of 3-5% of the total land.
Do not forget about the drainage layer - it should be at least 1/6 of the pot.
A sandy layer or small crushed stone will protect from overmoistening that is dangerous for the plant: sprinkle the top layer of soil with them - this is useful and, in addition to everything, also beautiful.
Fertilize plants from May to July.
Transfer
Transplant cephalotreus are better in spring or summeras soon as the plants grow up. Young cacti are transplanted annually, old ones can be relocated to new spacious pots less often - every two years.
For transplanting is better to use deep pots with good drainage. A weakly acidic nutrient mixture is preferable, consisting of clayey earth and coarse sand in equal proportions. However, it must pass moisture well, otherwise the plant will quickly rot.
It is possible to use a mixture that consists of equal shares. turf, leaf and peat groundand also includes sand and fine brick chips.
Breeding
Cephalotreus multiply by seeds. Traditionally, the sowing procedure is carried out in the spring. Previously, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for a day, then placed in a strong solution of potassium permanganate for half an hour.
After that, they will have to be washed, dried and sown in containers filled with a substrate of the same composition as for adults Cephalotsereus.
It is necessary to cover the soil with glass, and only after a week it can be moistened, but so far only with the help of a spray bottle.
Seeds germinate with about 25 degrees. The first time they need to be protected from too bright spring sun.
When the first spikes appear, seedlings can be swooped down, transplanted into a spacious container and watered with a pallet.
Grown up cacti need to be planted in separate pots and begin gradually to accustom them to the usual for adults Cephalotserius avaricious irrigation and bright lighting.
Diseases and pests
Cephalotreus enough resistant to various diseases and pests. However, inappropriate conditions for cacti can contribute to the appearance of powdery worms and flat red ticks.
therefore "Hair" plants need periodically check for unwanted inhabitants.
Also with street air a spider mite can enter the cactus.
To prevent its occurrence, it is necessary to spray the cacti by any means of ticks twice a year - in spring and autumn.
Be especially careful if you take the Cephalotsereus to the street or place it near the open window.
Conclusion
Cephalotsereus can not be called unpretentious plant: "gray-haired" cactus is picky enough.
But he is worthy of these troubles.
Original appearance "shaggy" Mexican decorate any collection and allow this plant to become the center of the composition of cacti.
