Scientific Name
Cereus phatnospermus K.Schum.
Synonym(s)
Cereus adelmarii, Cereus phatnospermus subsp. adelmarii, Monvillea adelmarii, Monvillea phatnosperma
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Genus: Cereus
Etymology
The specific epithet "phatnospermus (fat-noh-SPER-mus)" means "hollowed seeds" and refers to the patterning of the seed surface.
Origin
Cereus phatnospermus is native to Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.
Description
Cereus phatnospermus is a highly branched cactus with thick, fleshy, dark green stems with 4 to 5 well-defined ribs lined with clusters of brown spines. The stems are decumbent or ascending, growing up to 6.6 feet (2 m) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The areoles are about 1.2 inches (3 cm) apart. Each areole bears 5 to 6 radial spines measuring up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long and one central spine measuring up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
The white, funnel-shaped flowers appear from spring to early fall and can reach up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) in length. The fruits are red, egg-shaped, and can grow 3 inches (7.5 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Cereus phatnospermus
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 phatnospermus can withstand temperatures as low as 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b.
Watering: From spring to fall, during the active growth period, 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 phatnospermus
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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