Wittia AMAZONICA

Wittia AMAZONICA - Amazonian wittia, Pseudorhipsalis amazonica, Disocactus amazonicus.

A rare species of cacti!

Wittia is an epiphytic forest vertically growing branching cactus with flattened, toothed, dark green, often pendulous stems up to 50 cm (20 in) long and 5-8 cm (2.0-3.1 in) wide, and tubular pink, purple, and violet flowers that appear in spring at the tips of the stems. Height up to 50 cm (20 in).

Wittia amazonica is an epiphytic cactus that branches freely. Flat stems resembling leaves form lush bushes whose branches often hang down. Their usual length is about 0.5 m (20 in), and width 5-8 cm (2.0-3.1 in), margins slightly wavy. Pinkish-violet flowers appear at the ends of the youngest stems and bloom all summer and into late autumn. Their length is 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 in); they remain open both day and night.

In nature, this is quite a rare species. It is found in humid tropical forests, where it grows in the shade of trees, clinging directly to bark or cracks in it. Few cactus growers can boast of this cactus in their collections. In cultivation, conditions must be created for it similar to those in which it lives in nature. A slightly acidic soil and a shaded place suit it best. Winter temperature should be not lower than +15 °C (59 °F).

Before sowing, seeds are soaked in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 5-10 minutes. Then they are sown in a flat dish with sequentially poured layers of drainage 7-10 mm (0.3-0.4 in), a layer of loose leaf soil 2 cm (0.8 in), and a layer of washed river sand 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 in). Seeds up to 3 mm (0.12 in) in size, especially fine, dust-like ones, are not covered with sand, but sown directly on the surface. Larger seeds can be sown in furrows no more than 3 mm (0.12 in) deep. They are moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light at a temperature during the day around 24-28 °C (75-82 °F), at night 20-24 °C (68-75 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of sowings. Sprouts appear quickly - already after 7-14 days.

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It needs warmth year-round, including during winter, preferably above 15 °C (59 °F). It requires a warm, bright location without the influence of direct sunlight. Flowering time is summer. It needs high air humidity, especially in the warm season. This plant requires a greater amount of water than its desert relatives. Water regularly throughout the year. Use a mix of 50% soil and 50% coarse sand, or a standard cactus mix to which sand or perlite should also be added to improve drainage. Monthly during the period of active growth, feed with fertilizer for cacti and succulents. Repot adult specimens every two or three years, or as necessary to change the pot or refresh the substrate. Ideally suited for hanging baskets. A rarely encountered cactus, perfectly suited for lovers of curiosities.