Cleistocactus BAUMANNII

Cleistocactus BAUMANNII - Baumann's cleistocactus, Scarlet bugler, Cleistocactus baumannii.

Cleistocactus is a genus of South American cacti with columnar or decumbent ribbed stems. Recently, a number of formerly independent cactus genera have been included in it. It was named for the structure of its flowers, which are almost always closed and represent tubes from 2 to 9 cm (0.8 to 3.5 in) long. The homeland is the foothills of the Andes, hilly and rocky regions of Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, and western Argentina.

The genus unites 49 species of columnar, horizontal, or creeping, shrub-like cacti branching at the base, depending on the species. Stem length varies from 30 cm to 3 m (11.8 in to 9.8 ft) in erect arborescent plants. Stem diameter also varies greatly. The ribs are shallow and numerous, averaging 15-25. The areoles are also numerous, set closely together, and carry many bristle-like spines of varying length and color.

Radial spines (7-30) are slender, straight, 0.3-1.5 cm (0.1-0.6 in) long. Central spines (1-3) are needle-like, up to 5 cm (2.0 in) long. Due to frequent areoles and closely spaced ribs, the numerous spines of some cleistocacti almost completely conceal the plant stem. Cleistocactus strausii, popular in cultivation, is nicknamed 'white candle' for this reason. Cacti of this genus grow relatively quickly, adding an average of 3-5 cm (1.2-2.0 in) per growing season.

Cleistocactus baumannii is a very variable species; the stem reaches 2.5 cm (1.0 in) in diameter. There are 16 ribs. Spines, numbering 15 to 20 per areole, are yellowish or brownish, up to 2.5 cm (1.0 in) in length. The flowers are fiery red.

Seeds are sown on the surface of loose substrate, moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light, but not in direct sun, at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Seedlings require ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the sowings must be avoided.

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In summer, this cactus prefers a sunny location, but it must not be kept in excessively dry conditions. In winter, it is best kept in a bright and cool place; a temperature of 10 °C (50 °F) is entirely sufficient. In this case, the plant should be watered very moderately.

The abundance of watering depends on the season and the condition of the substrate in the pot. Thus, watering is recommended only after the soil has dried out completely. In summer during hot months, soil drying occurs much faster, so watering at this time will be more generous than in the autumn-winter period.

Fertilization is applied during the period of intensive growth once every 7 days. Cactus fertilizers are used for this purpose. In the winter period, fertilizers are not applied to the soil.

Repotting of young plants is carried out once a year, and it is recommended to do this in springtime. Mature specimens are repotted only when necessary, for example, when roots no longer fit in the pot.

It grows best in compost soil, to which a little sand is added to improve water permeability. The potting mix can be made by hand by combining turf soil, leaf mold, and peat soil, along with coarse river sand, in a ratio of 2:2:1:4.

Unlike all other genera, the stems of Cleistocactus should not shrivel in winter, as they no longer regain turgor. That is why plant care in winter quarters requires special attention.