Cleistocactus Smaragdiflorus ~ Amazing Colorful Cactus ~ Rare 10 Seeds ~

Cleistocactus smaragdiflorus is a cactus, generally erect, densely branching at the base, up to 6.5 feet (2 m) tall. The stems are up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter with numerous ribs with closely set areoles and spines. The flowers are tubular, red to pinkish, up to 0.5 inch (1.2 cm) in diameter and up to 4 inches (10 cm) inches long. Choose a location that gets full sun and has well-draining soil. Water Cleistocactus during the spring and summer when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil dries out. During the fall, reduce watering to every five weeks if the ground dries out. In winter, keep Cleistocactus dry or the moist ground combined with the cool temperatures and dormancy may cause the roots to rot. Fertilize Cleistocactus with a low-nitrogen fertilizer during the active growth period. A slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring will be sufficient for the whole year. It is possible to propagate by cutting a small branch from a Cleistocactus and rooting it, but this inevitably leaves a disfiguring scar near the base of the main stem. If an offset is removed to be used in propagation, remember to let it dry for a week or so, letting the wound heal. Rooting usually occurs within 3-8 weeks. It is therefore best to raise Cleistocactus from seed, direct sow after last frost.