Notocactus (Notocactus, family Cactus) is a succulent plant native to the deserts of South America. In natural habitats, notocactus most often grow on rocky cliffs and talus. This is a fairly popular genus of cactus in indoor culture. Their appearance is varied, the stems of notocactus are ribbed, they are spherical or cylindrical, spines (leaves) are located in groups on well-defined areoles and have a yellow, white or brown color. Notocactus blooms with yellow or yellow-violet flowers, small or large, depending on the species.
Нотокактус, Пародия, или Эриокактус Ленингхауза (Notocactus leninghausii, Parodia leninghausii)
According to the modern classification, notocactus are parodies. In total, this genus has about 20 species of cacti. More often than others, you can find on sale the notocactus leninghaus (notocactus leninghausii), in which spherical stems pubescent with golden spines in youth and cylindrical in adulthood with a diameter of up to 10 cm and a height of up to 1 m. forms. It grows up to 10 cm in diameter and up to 7 cm in height. The marginal spines of the graceful Notocactus are yellow, about 7 mm long; there are four central spines, they are longer, curved, yellow-brown. Reddish notocactus (notocactus rutilans) reaches a height of only 5 cm, the ribs on its stems are arranged spirally, the spines have a brick-red hue. Notocactus paniculata (notocactus scopa) is more overall – up to 30 cm in height and 10 cm in diameter, below its stem branches. Notocactus paniculata looks very bright and unusual, since its bluish-green stem and marginal pure white spines contrast with the central long spines of dark red, black, yellow or cream, depending on the shape, color. Other types of notocactus can be found in the collections – magnificent notocactus (notocactus magnificus), Otto’s notocactus (notocactus ottonis), solar notocactus (notocactus apricus), Herteri’s notocactus (notocactus herteri), notocactus crowned notocactus (notocactus flactus) roseoluteus).
Notocactus Herteri, or Parodia Herteri
Notocactus requires good lighting with shading from direct sunlight and low air humidity. In winter, the plant should be in a light, dry and cool room, the optimum temperature is 5 – 10 ° С, in summer the temperature should be higher – about 23 ° С. Notocactus needs fresh air, and in summer it can be taken out to the balcony or garden.
From April to September, the notocactus should be watered regularly, while avoiding stagnation of water in the sump. At this time, fertilization is also necessary. Twice a month, it is required to feed the plant with mineral fertilizer for cacti. From September to March, the notocactus is watered about once every two weeks, making sure that the earthy clod does not dry out completely. Notocactus are transplanted annually in early spring before flowering. The new pot should not be too large in volume. The soil mixture is prepared from leaf and sod land, sand and sour peat in a ratio of 1: 1: 1: 1. It is good to add brick chips and charcoal to the soil.
Notocactus paniculata, or Parody paniculata (Notocactus scopa, Parodia scopa)
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Notocactus is propagated by shoots (branching species) or by seeds, which are sown in the spring.
Notocactus can affect scale insects and mealybugs. Pests must be removed, and infected plants must be treated with karbofos. If the stem is stretched and bent, then the most likely cause is high air temperature in winter or lack of light. Due to waterlogging of the soil, root or stem rot may develop. In this case, it is necessary to cut out the affected areas and optimize the care of the plant.
