Carnegiea GIGANTEA

Carnegiea GIGANTEA - Saguaro, Giant Saguaro, Carnegiea gigantea.

A monotypic genus of cacti in the family Cactaceae. The sole species is the giant saguaro. A tree-sized plant native to Mexico, California, and Arizona. This cactus species is incredibly resistant to hot climates and can also tolerate temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F).

The stem is columnar, branched, externally resembling a candelabra. In cultivation, the plant rarely exceeds 20 cm (7.9 in) in height, while reaching up to 30 cm (11.8 in) in diameter. The ribs are obtuse, covered with long spines, sometimes up to 7 cm (2.8 in). On the stem, there are brownish circles around the areoles. The cactus begins to bloom in May. Large, purple-red, sometimes white, less frequently yellow, greenish, or orange flowers make it incredibly attractive. The buds open at night. In indoor conditions, the plant blooms rarely. The fruits are fleshy, bright, with their surface covered in small tubercles.

It is easiest to purchase seed material in a shop or collect it from a succulent older than 50 years. After planting seeds, seedlings sprout, which over time will develop into young plants: they are placed for several days in warm water that is replaced after cooling, and afterwards planted in a soil substrate consisting of peat and sand. The container is covered with polyethylene, the soil is regularly sprayed, and ventilated.

Cuttings are a faster method of growing the succulent, as its offshoots are planted directly into soil. They are cut from the tops of the stems and dried in the air for 2-3 hours before planting.

© Greeniverse. All rights reserved.

The cactus is light-loving, so it must not be placed in the shade. It tolerates direct sun perfectly, feeling great on the south side. Under abundant lighting it grows better, and its coloration becomes more intense. It prefers the air to be dry and warm. Since it is a native resident of hot deserts, it is important to prevent the thermometer from falling below 22 °C (72 °F) in summer. However, at 30 °C (86 °F) the room should definitely be ventilated. In winter, the temperature can be lower, but by no more than 7 degrees. During active growth, water once every 7 days using settled water. Soil waterlogging is much more dangerous than drying out, as excess moisture causes the flower to rot. And if moisture is applied less than once a month, the plant begins to dry out and its growth stops. Vitamin supplements for succulents can be added to the irrigation water. This will improve growth and help avoid disease.

The soil substrate must contain drainage; without it, the plant's root system cannot receive sufficient aeration. The cactus can be planted in a ready-made substrate intended for cacti and succulents. It contains a minimum of nutrients and permits moisture and air well - exactly what all desert dwellers need. You can also prepare the mix yourself by adding peat crumbs and coarse sand or perlite to leaf soil. The cactus is fertilized during active growth, once every 3-4 weeks with liquid mineral formulas. Universal mixtures can also be used, but it is advisable to dilute them, reducing the recommended concentration by 2 times. When repotting, it is important to select a stable container to provide sturdy support. During the procedure, handle with care, as the plant is covered with sharp spines. The cactus is repotted using the transfer method to prevent damage to the root system.