- How do you water a pillar cactus properly?
- When should you fertilize a cereus cactus?
- Are you allowed to shorten columnar cacti?
- How is the Cereus repotted?
- What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
- How do you care for columnar cacti in winter?
In contrast to other types of cacti, the columnar cactus is not quite as easy to care for. It is very susceptible to diseases and pests. It only grows to a considerable size if the location and care are right. How to care for columnar cacti.
The attractive columnar cactus is easy to care for
How do you water a pillar cactus properly?
The cereus stores water in its stems. It does not like too much moisture and leads to fungal diseases.
So only water sparingly. Avoid watering the stem directly and only pour the water to the edge of the pot. Watering is only done when the surface of the substrate has dried two centimeters deep.
Use lukewarm, lime-free water for watering.
When should you fertilize a cereus cactus?
The columnar cactus is only fertilized during the growth phase from April to August. A commercial cactus fertilizer is sufficient. But use it sparingly.
Are you allowed to shorten columnar cacti?
Yes, you can trim a pillar cactus if it has grown too big. The remains of the cuttings can be used for propagation.
How is the Cereus repotted?
If the pot has become too small, repot the columnar cactus in winter if possible. The new pot shouldn't be much bigger.
What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
Columnar cacti are very susceptible to diseases and pests. Decay and fungal infestation occur, especially when it is wet.
Watch out for pests and always treat a pest infestation immediately. Chemicals have little effect. You'll often get better results with natural enemies. Common pests are:
- spider mites
- Mealybug
- root lice
If you are tending the cereus outside in the summer, check the soil for vine weevil larvae and other pests.
How do you care for columnar cacti in winter?
Column cacti are not hardy and do not tolerate temperatures below five degrees. In winter you should give it a break and set it up cool but very bright at six to eight degrees. Reduce watering to once a month.
tips
The cereus always leans in the direction from which the most light falls. Therefore turn the pot from time to time so that the cactus grows straight up.