Cacti, these miracles from the desert, have captured the attention of numerous gardening enthusiasts with their unique shapes and resilient vitality. Among the many species of cacti, columnar cacti are particularly beloved for their upright, columnar stems and rich flower colors. This article will introduce you to a complete list of columnar cacti and share some care tips to help you create a desert wonderland in your home.
Columnar Cacti OverviewAs the name implies, columnar cacti are characterized by their cylindrical stems. This type of cacti comes in many varieties, each with different shapes, some like pagodas standing tall, others like corals blooming, making them the佼佼者 of the cactus family. It is estimated that there are over 2000 known species of columnar cacti worldwide, including many rare ones.
Complete List of Columnar Cacti1. Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii): The golden barrel cactus is a classic variety of columnar cacti, with its spherical stem and golden spines making it a plant of high ornamental value. It thrives in full sun and is drought-resistant, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
2. Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea): The saguaro is the largest columnar cactus in North America, with its massive columnar stem reaching up to 7 meters in height. It loves the sun and is cold-resistant, making it suitable for cultivation in northern regions.
3. Red Dragon Ball Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus): The red dragon ball cactus is known for its bright red flowers and long, thin spines. It prefers semi-shade and is drought-resistant, making it an excellent indoor ornamental plant.
4. Spider Cactus (Heliocereus undatus): The stem of the spider cactus is covered with long, thin spines, resembling the legs of a spider. It loves the sun and is drought-resistant, making it a highly ornamental columnar cactus.
5. Old Woman's Mouth Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis): The stem tip of the old woman's mouth cactus has a cluster of hairy growths, resembling the beak of an old woman. It loves the sun and is drought-resistant, making it a very unique columnar cactus.
Columnar Cacti Care Guide1. Light: Columnar cacti enjoy a sunny environment and require at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. When caring for them indoors, they should be placed near a window.
2. Watering: Columnar cacti are drought-resistant and should not be watered too much. During the growing season, watering once a week is sufficient; during the dormant season, the watering frequency can be reduced.
3. Soil: Columnar cacti thrive in well-draining sandy soil. You can use cactus-specific soil or homemade sandy soil.
4. Fertilizing: During the growing season, apply a compound fertilizer once a month to promote plant growth.
5. Propagation: Columnar cacti can be propagated through methods such as seeding, cutting, and grafting, with cutting being the most common method.
Columnar cacti come in many varieties with diverse shapes, making them an ideal choice for gardening enthusiasts. Through the introduction of this article, you should now have a deeper understanding of columnar cacti. By paying attention to details such as lighting, watering, soil, and fertilizing in the care process, your columnar cacti will surely thrive and add a splash of color to your life.