Aporocactus

The name of the genus Aporocactus comes from the Greek word "aporos" meaning "impenetrable", referring to its dense tufts of spiny, drooping stems. Often called "Rat's Tail Cactus" for the peculiar shape of its stem. Aporocactus is native to Central America and Mexico, where it grows in dry forests and therefore, it stores water in its stems to survive during drought periods. In springtime you can admire its beautiful pinkish colored flowers. It is a beautiful apartment plant that is easy to grow, perfect even for beginners. Here are some tips for a successful cultivation: Aporocactus requires an exposure to full sun since it requires a lot of light all year around. When the plants are still very young, it is advisable to prottingect them from direct sun rays during the hottest hours of the day. It is preferable to keep it at mild temperatures and never below 5 °C, for this reason it is recommended to shelter it during the winter period. Water moderately only when the soil is completely dry. It is enough to water the plant once every two weeks in spring and summer, once every two months in autumn and suspend it completely in winter. You will see if the plant thirsts from the loss of turgor of the stems. An extremely light soil suitable for cacti is an optimal solution, even better if further mixed with pumice and rich in sand or lapillo. They do not need frequent fertilization, it is sufficient to dilute the fertilizer with watering once a year.