Notocactus AGNETAE 'ZAPICANENSIS'

Notocactus AGNETAE 'ZAPICANENSIS' - Agneta's Notocactus, Parodia concinna 'Agnetae', Parodia.

Notocactus is, according to outdated classification, a small genus of plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae) comprising several species. Under modern taxonomy, they are classified in Parodia.

In nature, such cacti can be encountered on highlands and in the foothills of Paraguay, southern Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. They are distinguished by a solitary stem of short-cylindrical or spherical shape. In mature specimens, it can reach no more than 100 cm (39 in) in height. In most cases, these cacti lack both branches and offsets. The prominently ribbed stems are dark green. At the crests of the ribs are numerous small tubercles bearing pubescent areoles. Tufts of spines emerge from the areoles, comprising 1 to 5 brownish-red central spines and 40 short yellow radial spines.

Most representatives are notable for blooming early and profusely with large flowers. As a rule, flowers form in the upper part of the stem or at its apex. The flower itself is multi-petaled and bell- or funnel-shaped. On the surface of the thick, short, fleshy pedicel is a layer consisting of numerous spines and bristles. Flower coloration can be orange, red, or yellow, with the petal bases of a contrasting or deeper hue. The stigmas are mostly reddish. Once open, the flower fades only after 7 days.

When propagating by seeds, they are pre-soaked for 24 hours in a weak pink potassium permanganate solution. Seeds are planted in a substrate consisting of rotted leaf mold soil, coarse sand, and charcoal (1:1:0.5). Soil and shallow sowing dishes must be thoroughly disinfected. In the dishes, the substrate is not compacted; seeds are laid out over the surface and lightly dusted with sand. Moistening can be done by bottom watering or with a spray mister. They are covered with glass and placed in a bright (without direct sun) and warm location. It is necessary to maintain a temperature of 25-27 °C (77-81 °F). They are constantly aired and misted. Seedlings emerge in 10-15 days. At this time, daytime temperature is maintained no lower than 28 °C (82 °F), while night temperature may fluctuate by 3-5 °C (37-41 °F).

The first pricking out is performed after 1.5-2 months into sterile substrate and container. The second is done when seedlings have begun forming spines or started crowding one another. For this, boxes with sterile loose and somewhat more nutrient-rich soil mix than for sowing are prepared. The third pricking out, the timing of which under favorable conditions occurs approximately in a month to a month and a half, is carried out as follows. Seedlings are dried for several days, after which specimens with weak roots are transplanted as usual. In those specimens where one or several long strong roots are developing, the roots should be shortened by approximately half. They should be planted into dry mix.

Boxes with pricked-out seedlings are kept open for two to three days, after which they are placed into dishes with transparent covers or into plastic bags. Dishes are placed in a small greenhouse or on a well sun-warmed windowsill depending on season, location, and room conditions. In this manner, seedlings are kept without watering for another one to two weeks. In a warm dry place, wounds on the roots quickly callous and primordia roots form. The first watering must be done with a weak solution of heteroauxin. After two days or so, seedlings start growing, noticeably develop good roots, and begin growing rapidly. The fourth pricking out is performed similarly to the third. The care regime is the same, with the only difference being that two to three weeks after the first watering, some seedlings are transferred to harsher conditions. After the fourth pricking out, seedlings are acclimatized to indoor humidity by temporarily removing the cover, and then taking it away entirely.

The pricking out procedure should be performed carefully, using tweezers or a specially prepared stick. Sown seedlings are watered only after several days with boiled water. Throughout the time seedlings are germinating and then growing, careful daily inspection of plants is also necessary; this helps prevent their loss from various rots in time. In the first two years, small plants are gradually acclimatized to light, watered without drying out the root ball, and in autumn-winter months kept at higher temperatures than adult plants at the same time. They are usually watered generously and kept in mini-greenhouses in uniformly moist soil.

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Notocacti prefer plenty of bright light, but acclimatization to spring sun should be gradual. In summer, it is better to provide shade during the hottest sunny hours. Moderate or warm temperatures around 22-23 °C (72-73 °F) are preferred for maintenance. In winter, a dormant period should be arranged at 10-12 °C (50-54 °F), minimum 10 °C (50 °F), under dry conditions.

Notocacti, like all other cacti, greatly need fresh air. Therefore, for summer it is best to move them into the garden or onto a balcony and leave them there until autumn. Round-the-clock stay in the open air throughout the entire summer period particularly tempers and strengthens cacti, increasing resistance to diseases and pests. Generous watering is conducted in spring and summer, curtailed from autumn, and reduced in winter to infrequent soil moistenings. Notocacti are resistant to dry air. From late spring to mid-summer, they are fertilized with specialized cactus fertilizer.

Repotting is performed annually or every other year for young plants, while older ones are repotted every one or two years. Soil: 1 part sod soil, 1 part leaf mold soil, 1 part peat soil, 1 part sand, and brick grit. For mature and old cacti, sod soil makes up 2 parts.