Denmoza RHODACANTHA

Denmoza RHODACANTHA - Red-spined denmoza, Denmoza rhodacantha, Echinocactus COCCINEUS.

Denmoza is a genus of South American cacti of the Cactaceae family, comprising only 1 species native to the eastern slopes of the Andes in Argentina.

Plants of this genus are large, with a solitary thickened cylindrical stem reaching up to 1.5 m (5 ft) in height in nature. The stem surface is covered with numerous ribs with areoles bearing dense and often long spines colored in shades of red and brown.

Flowering begins only in adult specimens. Flowers are tubular, bright red, forming closer to the apex. Fruits are oblong, juicy, containing many small black seeds.

Denmoza rhodacantha is a large cactus with a massive globose or columnar stem that with age can reach up to 1 m (3.3 ft) in height and about 15-25 cm (6-10 in) in diameter. The surface is covered with numerous straight ribs with clearly defined tubercles. Areoles are large, initially white-woolly, becoming bare with age. Spines are sturdy, reddish to brown, especially on young areoles; central spines are long, sometimes slightly curved, while radial ones are shorter and thinner.

Flowering occurs at mature age, most often in summer. Flowers are tubular, bright red or orange-red, up to 7 cm (2.8 in) long, appearing from lateral areoles near the top of the stem. The floral tube is pubescent, slightly curved. Fruits are oblong, green or reddish when ripe, containing numerous small black seeds.

Seeds are sown superficially on a moistened, sterilized substrate with added sand and perlite. Containers are covered with a transparent lid or film. A temperature of 22-26 °C (72-79 °F) is maintained; regular airing and a bright location without direct rays are required.

Seedlings emerge within 10-30 days. The maximum germination period can exceed 50 days. Pricking out is carried out when the seedlings reach a diameter of about 1 cm (0.4 in). Young plants are sensitive to overwatering and require careful maintenance.

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It is placed in a well-lit location; direct sunlight is preferred, especially during active growth. The plant develops well on south and southeast windows. Under insufficient lighting, stem stretching is observed.

The temperature regime is maintained within 20-28 °C (68-82 °F) in summer and 10-12 °C (50-54 °F) in winter. Watering is carried out after the soil dries out; in the winter period it is practically not watered. Waterlogging is unacceptable, especially in cool conditions.

A loose mineral substrate with the addition of sand, brick chips, and perlite is used. Repotting is carried out in spring once every 3-4 years; young specimens are repotted more frequently if necessary. Good drainage is mandatory.

From spring to autumn, cactus fertilizers are applied once a month. No feeding is done in winter. During active growth, potassium feeding in early summer is beneficial to stimulate flowering.

Shaping and pruning are not applied. Propagation is carried out by seeds, as the plant does not produce side shoots. Cuttings are not used.