Scientific Name
Cereus lanosus (F.Ritter) P.J.Braun
Synonym(s)
Piptanthocereus lanosus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Genus: Cereus
Etymology
The specific epithet "lanosus (LAN-oh-sus)" means "wooly" and refers to the white wool of the areoles.
Origin
Cereus lanosus is native to Paraguay (Central, Cordillera, Concepción, and Paraguarí departments).
Description
Cereus lanosus is a shrubby cactus with blue-green, semi-erect stems with 5 to 7 ribs lined with rows of areoles with white wool. It can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. The cylindrical stems can reach up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears 10 to 14 orange spines that become gray as the plant ages. The spines can grow up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long.
The flowers are white and appear from late spring to early fall.
How to Grow and Care for Cereus lanosus
Light: Cereus cacti like full sun. They can handle partial shade but thrive during the summer in direct sunlight. Sunny south, east, or west window is a good spot to grow a Cereus indoors.
Soil: These cacti do not like to have "wet feet" and need to be grown in well-draining soil. Use commercial soil mixes for cacti and succulents, or make your own potting mix.
Hardiness: Cereus lanosus can withstand temperatures as low as 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b.
Watering: During the active growth period from spring to fall, water thoroughly but allow the soil to dry out before watering again. With the arrival of fall, gradually reduce the watering frequency.
Fertilizing: During their growing season, Cereus cacti like regular fertilizing. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to 1/4 strength, can be added to each watering. Do not feed during the winter.
Repotting: While Cereus cacti are young, it is recommended that they be repotted each year in early spring to provide fresh soil, inspect the root system, and move them to larger pots if necessary.
Propagation: Using stem cuttings is the easiest method to propagate Cereus because seed propagation is a slow process.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Cereus.
Toxicity of Cereus lanosus
Cereus cacti are non-toxic to humans or animals.
Links
- Back to genus Cereus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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