Acanthocalycium VIOLACEUM

Acanthocalycium VIOLACEUM - Violet acanthocalycium, Acanthocalycium violaceum.

Acanthocalycium is a plant genus in the family Cactaceae from Northern Argentina, comprising about 12 species. In their natural habitat, the plants inhabit mountain meadows at altitudes up to 1000 m (3300 ft) above sea level.

Plants are solitary, globose or slightly cylindrical, up to 60 cm (24 in) high and up to 15 cm (6 in) in diameter, with 9-20 slightly wavy ribs. The stem is colored in green, dark blue, gray, or mealy tones. Areoles are situated on tubercle tips, containing 5-10 radial and 1-4 central stiff, resilient spines up to 3 cm (1.2 in) long, colored gray, yellow, reddish, or black.

Flowers appear from May to September, funnel-shaped, up to 5 cm (2 in) in diameter, gathered in a lush crown. Petals range from white to soft violet, perianth lemon-yellow. Fruits are dark green, globose, up to 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter, containing large dark seeds.

Violet acanthocalycium has long, curving, yellowish-brown spines that emerge from growing centers in spring and summer. It bears lilac flowers unusual for a cactus; other varieties produce white, pink, orange-red, or yellow blooms.

A fungicide solution at the recommended concentration is poured into the tray. After the substrate is moistened, seeds are sown on the surface, misted with a spray bottle, and covered with film. Germination is carried out in light (not in direct sun) at a temperature of 20-22 °C (68-72 °F) with regular ventilation. Overdrying and waterlogging are not permitted.

Sprouts appear in 7-14 days. The maximum germination period can take up to 30 days. After 6 months or upon the appearance of the first spines, seedlings are transplanted into individual 5 cm (2 in) pots or into seedling trays at a distance of 1 cm (0.4 in) apart. Young plants develop steadily and evenly.

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Acanthocalycium is placed in a well-lit location, preferably on a south or southwest window. With insufficient light, the stem elongates, and spines become weak. In summer, moving outdoors into fresh air is recommended. Shading is not required in greenhouses.

Summer temperature is maintained within 20-38 °C (68-100 °F) with good ventilation. In winter, a temperature of 6-10 °C (43-50 °F) is preferred, minimum 4 °C (39 °F). Watering in summer is carried out approximately once every 2 weeks, slightly more often when using small pots. In winter, watering is omitted, though light surface misting once every 2 months is permissible.