Stenocereus FRICII

Stenocereus FRICII - Fric's stenocereus, Stenocereus fricii.

Stenocereus is a genus of rare, large tree-like plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae) that have a very limited distribution range in Arizona. It prefers to grow on southern sunny mountain slopes. The plant is very sensitive to cold, so it grows only at elevations below 1,000 m (3,280 ft) above sea level.

The cactus lacks a central trunk. Green or bluish-green stems are erect, branching at the base, cylindrical, up to 15 cm (5.9 in) in diameter, sometimes segmented, and become woody at the base with age. Numerous shoots begin growing from a single point at ground level. The number of stems can vary from 5 to 25. Initially, each shoot curves slightly, and then begins to grow vertically upwards. A mature cactus can reach a height of 7-8 m (23-26 ft).

Each tube of the cactus with a diameter of 15 cm (5.9 in) has from 12 to 15 well-defined, vertical, deep ribs. Straight and stout spines are arranged on them in clusters of 7-10. They are brown on young plants and turn gray on mature specimens. Stems continue to grow, and each new growing season is marked by a slight constriction around the trunk column. The period of greatest growth occurs in April-June. A mature cactus is approximately 150 years old.

Only mature plants begin to bloom from May to June. Flower buds form closer to the top of the stems. Large, fragrant, attractive, funnel-shaped white or pink flowers with a pinkish border along the edges measure up to 8 cm (3.1 in) in size. The flowers open during the night hours and close into a tube covered with low, sparse spines before sunrise. Many flower buds open on different days, and blooming continues for many weeks.

Large fruits, the size of a tennis ball, are covered with spines that are shed upon ripening. Inside the fruits is red pulp, reminiscent of watermelon in flavor. Ripe fruits burst open, releasing seeds from which young plants emerge. During the first years, young saplings grow in the shade of the mother plant, which provides reliable protection against the scorching rays of the sun. When the young cactus takes root sufficiently, it begins to actively collect any fallen moisture, thereby depriving the mature tree of water. In cultivation, only young plants of small size are grown.

Stenocereus fricii grows as a tree with numerous shoots, branched almost completely, reaching a height of 4 to 7 m (13 to 23 ft). A barely noticeable trunk is formed. Light green to yellowish or grayish shoots are 2 to 7 m (6.6 to 23 ft) in length and 8 to 12 cm (3.1 to 4.7 in) in diameter. Funnel-shaped to bell-shaped flowers open during the day and are 10 to 12 cm (3.9 to 4.7 in) long. They are white with a cream or pink tint. Globose, red or yellow fruits reach 5 cm (2 in) in diameter. They are covered with about 25 spines per areole, which drop off upon ripening.

Sowing is surface-level, without burying into cactus mix diluted by half with sand. The mixture is moistened from a spray bottle and covered with glass or film. The most favorable temperature for seed germination is 25-35 °C (77-95 °F). Germination takes place in the light, but not in direct sun. Sprouts need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the sowings.

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Easy in culture, this cactus is maintained without particular problems and is well-suited for beginners.

In spring and summer for indoor cultivation, room temperature around 20-25 °C (68-77 °F) is preferred. In winter, one should not subject the plant to temperatures below 12 °C (54 °F). Maximum possible lighting is desirable, with shading during midday hours in spring and summer. In the morning and evening, direct sun rays should reach the plant for 3-4 hours daily, which encourages flowering.

Regular waterings are required during the warm season, allowing the soil to dry to 1/2 depth before each subsequent watering. In winter, complete drying out of the soil is not permitted. In any season, the air should be dry; the plant does not need spraying. The soil should easily allow water and air to pass through, with pH in the range of 6.1 to 7.5. A mixture of leaf humus, sod soil with a large amount of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage, and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. A ready-made substrate for cacti and succulents can also be used. Feeding is carried out from spring to autumn with liquid fertilizers for cacti and succulents high in potassium. Spring repotting is done every 2-3 years to refresh the substrate. Growing in clay pots with large drainage holes is desirable, as their walls allow the root system to breathe and permit moisture transfer.