Features of growing austrocylindropuntia
The genus Austrocylmdropuntia includes about twenty plants that belong to the cactus family. Botanists in some countries believe that this is a subgenus belonging to a larger genus - Opuntia. Others believe that this is an independent genus, and Russian botanists adhere to this point of view. The plant originated from South America, where it perfectly took root in the mountainous and desert areas. Austrocylindropuntia attracts the attention of breeders with its unusual appearance - the base has the shape of a cylinder, on the sides of which there are many shoots. The appearance of flowers in an unnatural setting is very rare. Let's figure out how to care for this plant.
Types of austrocylindropuntium
There are many types of cacti belonging to this genus. Consider the main ones that plant breeders may like.
- Clavate. She came from Argentina. Its peculiarity is the copper ebb, which occurs under the influence of sunlight. The length of the shoots reaches a quarter of a meter in length. Moreover, they can be branched. The spines of this species are small - up to two millimeters, and their number is also small. The flowers (although, again, their appearance is unlikely) are usually yellowish, no more than six centimeters in length, in the shape of a tube.
- Subulate. She appeared in the Andes, so some variants of her name indicate being at a height. The plant, which is not yet a year old, is covered with leaves in the shape of a half-cylinder. The stem itself is covered with stripes, each of which has one long yellow thorn.
- Cylindrical. This shrub can grow up to four meters. The lateral stem is about 6 centimeters in diameter. First, small leaves appear on the plant, but then they fall off. But as it develops, the number of thorns increases.
Conditions for growth
So, how do you provide a representative of the genus Austrocylmdropuntia with decent care?
- If we talk about lighting, then in this part of the austrocylindropuncture should not be spared. After all, the plant originated from hot southern countries and is perfectly adapted to constant bright sunlight and high temperatures. Moreover, it needs such conditions. Therefore, place the cactus on the windowsill on the south side of the house. You can also take it out to an unglazed balcony.
- As stated earlier, the cactus is used to the heat. Therefore, the optimal temperature for him is from plus twenty-five degrees and above. But, of course, it is impossible to maintain such an environment at home all year round. The transition to lower temperatures should be gradual. The lowest temperature that austrocylindropuntium can withstand is plus five. By the way, this period of dormancy is even useful for her - without it, the cactus will grow so that it can lose its "correct" shape.
- There will also be no problems with humidity - the plant is adapted to dry air.
- In warm seasons, you need to water the cactus often and a lot. When doing this, use only soft water.
Advice
Do not let water get on the stems, it is harmful to them. It is worth watering the plant in the evening. With the approach of cold weather, watering should be reduced, and in winter it should be stopped altogether. But if you notice that the appearance of the cactus is getting worse, water it.
Transplant and reproduction
There are two main ways of breeding austrocylindropuntia:
- seeds;
- with the help of shoots.
The first option is the most time consuming. First you need to get rid of the seed coat. They are soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate, and then treated with sandpaper. Next, you need to create conditions for seed germination, similar to natural ones.To do this, they are first soaked in water, and then removed to a cold place for a month. They are sown into peat with the addition of sand, covered with foil and periodically watered. Seedlings will appear after three months.
It is much easier to use shoots - they are broken off and placed in sand, which is often watered.
You need to plant a new plant in a mixture of humus, peat and sand; a drainage layer is also needed.
A young cactus is transplanted quite often - every spring. But an adult is rare - once every three to four years. And even then only if the austrocylindropuntium has become cramped in the pot. The main thing is to remember that this procedure cannot be carried out during flowering.
Application in traditional medicine
A feature of all cacti is that they can not only decorate the room. Their beneficial properties make plants popular in folk medicine. It is important to remember that pregnant and lactating mothers, diabetics, people with liver diseases should not experiment with such treatment.
- Austrocylindropuntium juice is used in the treatment of cough. You need to mix it in equal proportions with marshmallow juice, add a little honey and take three times a day. Only fresh juice should be used.
- The juice is also suitable for the treatment of external wounds - cuts, insect bites, sunburn. You need to soak it with gauze and apply it to the damaged area for a couple of hours.
- Cactus tincture will help solve the problem with the work of the gastrointestinal tract. To do this, you need to grind the stems of austrocylindropuntium to make half a glass of gruel. Naturally, thoroughly clean the stems from the needles beforehand. Add a glass of sugar and put it in the cupboard for three days. After mixing with a glass of wine, let it brew for another day. Strain and take a tablespoon before meals for a month.
Output
Austrocylindropuntia is a genus of cacti. It is distinguished by its cylindrical shape and a large number of side shoots. The plant appeared in South America, therefore it is prepared for not the most favorable conditions. At home, he needs to provide a large amount of sunlight, high temperature (however, peace in the winter will only benefit), low humidity, but abundant watering (the main thing is that moisture does not get on the shoots). Like many other cacti, austrocylindropuntia is useful in traditional medicine.
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