reckon having a houseguest walk in , only to be greeted by a hulk 6 - foot cactus covered in distasteful spines and silky yellow blooms . Talk about a conversation entrant ! That ’s precisely what you get with the rare Grusonia bradtiana . This cactus is the everlasting premix of fierce and mythic , guaranteed to grab attention in any home or garden .
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About Grusonia bradtiana
This rare , cylindrical - stem cactus consist of extravagantly branching segments that form an asymmetric , bushy Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe up to over 6 feet tall . Each bluish - green section has ridicule nodule with whitish areoles sporting exceedingly thin , glassy radial prickle and full-bodied , phonograph needle - full-strength cardinal backbone that turn white with age . Bright silky yellow flowers bloom from the segmented tip , providing gorgeous line against the fierce spine .
Previously include numerous metal money , Grusonia is now turn over a monotypic genus with G. bradtiana as the sole phallus . A true opuntioid cactus , it make low - growing , heavily spined matt sporting satin cup - form flower in shades of pink , yellow and white . aboriginal to the American Southwest and northern Mexico , this unique cactus may be less prized than showy specimens , but few flora touch off curiosity like its bizarre commixture of delicate dish and ferocious form .
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How to Care for Grusonia bradtiana
The Grusonia bradtiana plants are heliophilic , which means they wish sunlight , and that ’s why they grow well in intensely hot regions . When they are in their growing seasons , they should be grown in places that have good airing and low to medium levels of humidity .
Light
Like a stripling , Grusoniacraves sunlightbut ca n’t abide the heat for too long . Provide abundant bright luminosity , like from an unshaded south or west window , or up to 6 time of day of verbatim sun outdoors . Use agrow lightif indoor circumstance are too dim . In hot climates , give afternoon shade or bring indoors to prevent sun singe .
Water
Do n’t be a over - water boy – Grusonia prefers a thoroughgoing but infrequent drenching . Allow the admixture to dry out out totally between waterings , perhaps every 2 - 3 week in summertime and monthly in wintertime . Signs of shriveling indicate it ’s time for a drink . But do n’t swim it either , as this desert native is highly prostrate to decompose in boggy soil .
Soil
Like many cacti , Grusonia is happy in asuper well - draining potting mixture . direct for a gritty , tight - drying blend of 60 % perlite or pumice and 20 % each of coir or peat and horticultural sand or moxie . thresh in some compost or dirt ball castings for nutrient . Potting soils market for cacti and succulents normally suit the card .
Fertilizer
While not heavy feeders , Grusonia can do good from an occasional repast during alive growth . Use abalanced fertilizerdiluted to one-half speciality monthly in springiness and summer , or top - frock with a irksome - handout cactus fertilizer . An annual covering of bone meal provides good phosphorus .
Temperature and Humidity
As a true desert habitant , Grusonia thrive in warm to hot temperature from 70 - 95 ° F . invalidate debunk it to temporary below 50 ° F . It choose low to restrained humidity but can tolerate teetotal indoor conditions in winter .
Pests and Problems
Keep your eye peel forcommon cactus pestslike wanderer mites , mealybugs , and plate , as well as fungous issues likeanthracnose(red stain ) and base rot ( dour lesions ) . Stressed plants are most vulnerable , so proper care is key . Prune impact areas and treat with appropriate pesticides or fungicides .
Pruning
With its naturally unruly form , Grusonia requiresminimal pruningbeyond take out spent flower and any wiped out or unwanted branches . Use clean shears and make gash close to the joint to avoid legal injury .
Potting and Repotting
Grusonia is well - fit to container growth as long as the pot has ample drainage holes . Allow stem increase to dictate sizing up to the next jackpot size , likely every 2 - 3 years . Repot in early springbefore new increase emerges .
Propagating Grusonia bradtiana
Watching newfangled spiny specimen take root is half the fun of growing Grusonia . Here ’s how to get more of this marvelous mat - former :
With its wildly contrasting beauty and character , the rare Grusonia bradtiana is a must - have for cactus aficionados and barbed plant lovers everywhere !
