Pereskiopsis is a genus of cacti with characteristics unlike those of many other cacti. Their name comes from their resemblance to the genus Pereskia, which also includes untypical-looking cacti with leaves. These cacti contain glochids and areoles similar to those of the Opuntia genus. Pereskiopsis spathulata is the most commonly encountered and used by cacti horticulturalists.
They often have tropical features, unlike many other cacti, and prefer regular watering and humidity. They are often found throughout South America in various ecosystems, not exclusive to deserts. However, several species are noted in Central America, including Mexico. Yet, their presence is quite rare in these instances. Research suggests they are a highly primitive form of cacti and may give horticulturalists and botanists clues about what cacti originally looked like before subsequent evolution.
Pereskiopsis cacti are often grown by cuttings. Seeds are very rare in the wild and are unheard of in cultivation. Getting Pereskiopsis to flower is also quite rare, with no clear-cut pollination techniques. Cuttings are taken from mature plants that are not too woody. Woody plants become far too tough and dangerous to work with. The glochids can also become a real pain if not handled properly. These little cacti spines will lodge into your skin and become a real irritant all day! Keep a pair of long tweezers to hold Pereskiopsis cuttings and plants, and a small precision pair to remove the glochids.
Growing Conditions
Soil: Unlike most other cacti, Pereskiopsis will tolerate a lot of organic material in its soil. Although you should not use a rainforest mix, you can and should use a soil mix that is slightly more than 75% organic soil. We do this because, unlike most other cacti, Pereskiopsis are heavy feeders. They grow far more quickly thanks to their leaves, and their roots reach far more. The other 25% should consist of an even mix of perlite, pumice, rock, and sand. All four of these provide excellent drainage and oxygen flow in the soil. Root rot is common in Pereskiopsis, but it is easily avoided by adding these.
Light: As with just about every cactus, a lack of light will harm them if you expect growth and continue to water them. You will wait longer if you do not have an artificial light source or humidity. Pereskiopsis live in very tropical, wet, and humid regions of Central and South America. This is easy to recreate with a grow light and an indoor greenhouse setup. But you must be careful to allow air circulation. This is one of the number-one killers of cacti and Pereskiopsis in general, behind overwatering. If you have an indoor greenhouse, you can easily do this by opening the tent for several hours a day and keeping it open all day on one day a week. You should have two angles for air circulation. No artificial fans are needed, but they can be helpful.
Lighting requirements for Pereskiopsis cacti are about 10-14 hours of light per day. Find a balance that fits your lifestyle and the plants'. If they react negatively toward your specifications, make the appropriate changes.
Most northern states, and even parts of Canada, can maintain Pereskiopsis outdoors if you grow them in summer. June, July, and August will be perfect for Pereskiopsis in clay pots. Do not bother watering them; just let the rain take care of them. If you are in the western states, which are much drier, water them when the soil becomes dry. Believe it or not, these cacti will tolerate regular potting soil in a warm, sunny location with good air circulation.
Water: Unlike most other cacti, Pereskiopsis has the unique property of wanting more water. Do not make the common mistake, though; most cacti would prefer if you watered them more. However, the soil, heat, and light you have are probably not enough to accommodate them. Even in their natural habitat, cacti prefer more water than they receive.
Grower's Tips
Growing Pereskiopsis is not difficult at all. The plants are quite tolerant of many mistakes you might throw at them, but there are some considerations you must take before planting your new grafting stock. The number you have and how you want to display it will dictate how it is planted. Another consideration is whether you received them as cuttings or fully rooted plants. A tray that does not separate the different plants is perfectly acceptable. However, to make grafting easier as well as future cuts, it is best to use a cell that separates the plants, one per cell. This will also make it easy to separate them when you are ready, because the roots are very aggressive and will spread.
Source: pereskiopsis.com
Links
- Back to genus Pereskiopsis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus