Description for Pincushion Cactus
Densely spined, and in many types the spines are so elongated and soft that the plant appears hairy. Stems 1 to several, more or less spherical, dark green, to 2 inches in diameter, covered with spirally arranged projections called tubercles; areoles at tubercle tips, white-woolly when young; perianth parts numerous, petal-like, in several rows; outer parts greenish or brownish; inner parts pink to reddish purple; tips sharply pointed; stamens numerous, anthers bright orange. Fruits are berries, fleshy, oblong to club-shaped, green when mature; seeds tiny, pitted, yellowish brown.
Common name | Flower colours | Bloom time | Height | Difficulty |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pincushion Cactus, Beehive cactus, Spinystar | Pink | May to August | 5 cm (2 inches) | Easy to grow |
Planting and care
Pincushion cactus care is very simple and suitable for the beginning gardener. Cactus plants are used to dry conditions and limited fertility. The soil for a pincushion needs to be well drained and gritty. The soil needs to dry out between watering, which is best accomplished with a sandy topsoil. The cactus goes dormant in winter and needs no additional irrigation until spring.
Sunlight | Soil | Water | Temperature | Fertilizer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Full Sun | Well-drained soil | Medium | 65 to 90 degrees C | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Caring for Pincushion Cactus
- If optimum heat and watering conditions are met, the pincushion cactus may reward you with flowers in spring.
- Enhance the chance of blooming by holding off watering until several weeks into spring.
- You can also apply a cactus food in early spring to give the plant the nutrients it needs to produce blooms.
Typical uses of Pincushion Cactus
Special features: NA
Culinary use: NA
Ornamental use: The plant is used for an ornamental purpose.
Medicinal use: NA
References
- http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/pincushion-cactus/pincushion-cactus-care.htm
- http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Pincushion Cactus.html
- http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl/record/kew-2802205
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