Stenocactus MULTICOSTATUS 'LLOYDII'

Stenocactus MULTICOSTATUS 'LLOYDII' - Lloyd's many-ribbed cactus, Lloyd's brain cactus, Echinofossulocactus multicostatus 'Lloydii', Echinofossulocactus, Brittonrosea.

Stenocactus is a genus of cacti in the family Cactaceae, comprising about 10 species distributed in arid regions of central and northern Mexico. In nature, it occurs on stony limestone soils and often grows among spiny shrubs, which protects it from direct grazing by animals.

The genus is represented by plants with compact spherical or slightly cylindrical stems with numerous narrow, high wavy and strongly corrugated ribs that increase the stem surface for better absorption of sunlight and allow the plant to shrink during drought. These ribs create an "accordion" effect and help retain moisture, imparting an ornamental appearance. Stem coloration varies from light to dark green, and the surface is covered with small areoles with spines. The spines are thin, often curved or slightly interwoven; their coloration can be white, yellow, or brown.

Flowering occurs in spring and early summer. The flowers are funnel-shaped, medium-sized, located at the apex of the stem; petal coloration varies from white to pink with a darker center. After flowering, dry elongated fruits are formed, containing small black seeds with a smooth or slightly rough surface.

Lloyd's many-ribbed cactus is named in honor of Professor Fr. Lloyd. Spherical, up to 12 cm (4.7 in) in height and diameter, ribs very numerous, thin, wavy, spination heavy, 10-15 radial spines 0.2-0.8 cm (0.08-0.31 in) long, spreading, 3 longer main spines slightly curved, central spine 4-8 cm (1.6-3.1 in) long, thin, annulate, flowers small, almost white. Mexico, Zacatecas.

Before sowing, seeds are soaked for several hours in warm water or for 5-10 minutes in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution for disinfection. A drainage layer of 7-10 mm (0.28-0.39 in), a 2 cm (0.8 in) layer of loose mineral substrate (with the addition of sand and perlite), and a thin 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 in) layer of washed river sand are successively poured into the planting container. Very fine, dust-like seeds are distributed over the surface without covering, while larger ones can be lightly sprinkled or embedded no deeper than 2-3 mm (0.08-0.12 in). Sowings are moistened from a spray bottle, covered with a transparent lid or film, and placed in a bright spot at a daytime temperature of 24-28 °C (75-82 °F) and night temperature of 20-24 °C (68-75 °F). Regular ventilation and maintenance of constant, but not excessive moisture are required.

Seedlings appear on average after 10-30 days; the minimum period can be several days, and the maximum possible several months. Seedlings initially develop with two cotyledons, after which they form their first spines. They need bright diffused light and 8-12 hours of illumination. Pricking out is carried out after the first spiny hairs begin to appear between the cotyledons or when the diameter of the seedling reaches about 1 cm (0.4 in). Further care consists of keeping in diffused light and moderate watering.

© Greeniverse. All rights reserved.

Under indoor conditions, bright lighting is used, optimally southern and southwestern windows. However, from direct sunlight on hot days the plant is slightly shaded, as in nature it grows under the shelter of grasses and shrubs. With a lack of light, the stem stretches out and loses its ornamental appeal.

In summer it is kept at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F); watering is moderate, after complete drying of the soil ball. During the period of active growth, watering can be more abundant, but no more than once every 1.5-2 weeks. In winter, a dormant period at 8-12 °C (46-54 °F) is necessary; watering is reduced to a minimum or stopped completely. In doing so, it is desirable to provide supplementary lighting, otherwise flowering will not occur.

A mineral, loose substrate with the addition of coarse sand or perlite, with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction, is used. A drainage layer is mandatory. Repotting is carried out annually for young plants and as needed for adults, usually once every 2-3 years. The new pot is taken only slightly larger than the previous one.

In spring and summer, fertilizers for cacti with low nitrogen content are applied approximately once a month. In winter, feeding is not applied. Crown shaping is not required. Propagation is carried out by seeds, which are sown in spring in a light mineral substrate.