Polaskia chichipe

Polaskia chichipe

If you like cacti, it is possible that at some point you have come across the Polaskia chichipe. It is a very branched cactus that can attract a lot of attention. Wait, you don’t know him?

So this file that we have prepared can help you to know what the characteristics of the Polaskia chichipe cactus are, as well as the care it will need to keep it always healthy. Shall we start?

How is the cactus Polaskia chichipe

branched cactus flowers

The Polaskia chichipe is also known by other names, such as Cereus chichipe, Cereus mixtecencis, Myrtillocactus chichipe or Lemaireocereus chichipe. Although as a common name it is usually called chichituna, chichitún, chichibe or chichipe.

It is native to Mexico, especially in the area of ​​Puebla and Oaxaca, and normally its natural habitat is at an altitude of 2,000m.

Physically, we are talking about a columnar cactus that branches into different branches as it grows, always at the top. It can easily reach five meters in height and have between 9 and 12 ribs from which gray areoles and radial spines emerge. but the tip of these is usually black.

In its time, that is, when the cactus is already an adult, it will flourish. This will do from mid-spring until summer arrives. The flowers are white although sometimes they can be cream or even yellow. But perhaps the most beautiful of these flowers is not so much that color but the red stripe that comes outwhich makes them stand out even more.

After flowering, and only if the cactus is ready and has been pollinated, it will bear fruit. They have a globose shape and will measure little, about 2-3 centimeters.

Polaskia chichipe cactus care

branched cactus

You now know a little more about the Polaskia chichipe cactus. AND finding it in garden stores is not difficult. In fact, it is easily found on the Internet and is not too expensive. So if you like this type of plants, it could be one that you buy for your collection.

But what care do you need? We want to talk to you about that next so you don’t have any problems.

location and temperature

A cactus needs sun. Too much sun. That implies that the best location to have it will be outdoors. It can be in the garden planted or in a pot. But what it will require is to have at least 6 hours of direct sun for it to be nourished. Now, when we buy it in stores, they do not have them directly in the sun (unless they are large nurseries and they are outside) but rather they keep them in full sun. For this reason, when you take it home, you should adapt it to the sun, putting it in shade, then in semi-shade and finally in full sun. You shouldn’t take long to do it, but don’t go fast either.

As for the temperature, cacti require a warm temperature to survive. That’s why They are ideal in the south of Spain or in places with mild winters and hot summers. As for the cold, they can tolerate it, although if the frosts are continuous we recommend that you keep an eye on the plant and even protect it (either by putting it in a greenhouse (be careful with humidity) or protecting it with some mesh).

Substratum

The ideal substrate for the Polaskia chichipe is a combination of soil. It is true that you could simply use cactus soil, but if instead of it you make a mixture with normal soil and sand (all at 50%) much better.

Now, if you can’t do it, we can propose the soil for cactus but mixed with another drainage so that the soil does not clump too much.

Irrigation

Reproduction of branched cactus

Regarding irrigation, the truth is that there are many publications that recommend that it be watered once a week, once a month… It will really depend on the weather, where you have placed it and the needs of the plant. Our recommendation is that it is better to miss it than to spend with it, since if you water it too much in the end the roots will rot and you will lose it.

That’s why, Check the soil daily and water when you see it dry for at least the first five centimeters. Of course, do not pour the water next to the base of the cactus. It is preferable that you throw it around and not touch the cactus to avoid the appearance of fungi or moisture.

In this way you will see what is the frequency of irrigation it needs. But in a cactus we do not recommend watering daily, at most, every 10 days.

However, you should not water it in winter. With the humidity in the environment it should be enough for it to be nourished. It is preferable to leave it without irrigation than to do it and for the soil to remain wet for too long and harm its health.

Subscriber

The Polaskia chichipe cactus is not a plant that needs a subscriber. But he won’t say no either. For this reason, and as an aid, especially if it has already been planted in the ground for some time, is that you give it at least twice during the spring and summer, a little fertilizer.

You can add this to the irrigation water to give it the nutrients it needs.

Plagues and diseases

The Polaskia chichipe cactus has enemies. Aphids, mealybugs and molluscs are some of the most common pests. The first two attack him to feed on the sap (of the flowers and leaves respectively), while the latter eat the entire plant.

Therefore, it is best to have some products on hand to prevent them. The best may be potassium soap, diatomaceous earth or neem oil.

Multiplication

Finally, The reproduction of the Polaskia chichipe cactus is usually done through a graft. However, you can also get lucky with stem cuttings.

Now, to get them to get ahead you must be aware of them since they are a bit delicate. And, of course, always have gloves on hand to handle them.

As you can see, the Polaskia chichipe cactus can be a good addition to your collection of plants. Do you dare to have it?

Polaskia chichipe

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