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Habitat:
tropical
America.
Description: a primitive genus of cactaceous plants forming shrubs
with a prostrate or climbing habit; the leaves are oval and stalked, the
areoles large with tufts of tough spines. The fragrant flowers are
reminiscent of those of the dog rose and are only produced by mature plants.
There may be synonyms within the genus Rhodocactus.
Soil: basic mix; add some peat to lower the soil pH.
Location: They prefer filtered light and enjoy a humid but airy
environment.
Temperature: keep the minimum around 12-15°C (54-59°F); temperatures
lower than 7-8° (45-46°F) cause the leaves to drop. In the summer, the
maximum should not exceed 30° (86°F).
Water:
During the warm months keep
the soil always moist; during the rest of the year as well as in the winter,
water sparingly to prevent the plant from withering.
Cultivation tips: species that flower in late autumn need warmer
temperatures and more water. Seedlings must be kept at 12°C (54°F) in the
winter and moderately but constantly watered. Repot and fertilize each
spring. Easy to propagate from cuttings in the summer. They can be pruned
like grape vines once reached maturity. They’re fast-growing and suitable as
house plants. They make an ideal rootstock for Schumbergera. Watch out for
spider mites.
Main species: P. aculeata, with fragrant, white flowers, needs
more water;
P. grandifolia; P. sacharosa.
Note: PERESKIOPSIS has leaves very much like those of Pereskia but
smaller, glochids and flowers resembling those of Opuntia; grafting of small
plants, even of thirty-day-old seedlings, can be easily performed on rooted
portions of young branches of this species.
Main species: P. gatesii; P. velutina.
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