Coleocephalocereus (Cactus)

Coleocephalocereus is a Cactaceae genus native to Southern America, mostly endemic in Brasil. Its name derives from Greek and literally means "sheathed head", referring to the cephalium that develops at the apex as the plant grows up, or a downy spherical "head" from which large nocturnal flowers bloom. Another reference in the name is the term "cereus", which indicates its typically columnar habit; in nature, it can exceed 2 meters in height, its body is marked by deep ribs and thick robust spines, which give the plant an extremely solemn and at the same time very ornamental aspect. Unlike other cacti that have cephalium, Coleocephalocereus continues its slow growth even after its cephalium has been formed completely, which creates a truly spectacular effect, in which the showy apical down contrasts nicely with the green of the plant ! The blooming season for Coleocephalocereus is summer: during the warm months, these plants grow beautiful flowers long up to 10 cm, white, red or pink in colour. Coleocephalocereus cultivation is not complicated, but remember that its South American origins make it sensitive to cold weather: do not expose it to temperatures lower than 15°C, choosing a warm, and very bright place to grow it. In summer, it likes full sun and rather airy situations, water it every time the soil is dry to the touch, once a week in spring and summer is enough, a reduction every two months in autumn and winter. The ideal soil is very draining, a mix of peat and pumice helps to drain excess water and prevent rot, if desired it can be enriched with lapillus and perlite. Like all cactacea, even Coleocephalocereus does not require frequent fertilization, it will be sufficient to dilute the watering water once a year with fertilizer.