Care of the cactus Pilosocereus magnificus or Pseudopilocereus magnificus |
|
The genus Pilosocereus, family Cactaceae, includes 30 species of cacti distributed from Mexico to Brazil. Some species are: Pilosocereus magnificus, Pilosocereus leucocephalus, Pilosocereus pachycladus, Pilosocereus gounellei, Pilosocereus tuberculatus. Scientific synonym: Pseudopilocereus magnificus. This species is native to Minas Gerais, Brazil. Pilosocereus magnificus is a bluish-green cactus with a branched, tree-like appearance that reaches 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. It has 5-12 ribs, about 16 yellowish radial spines, and 8 central spines that are 1.5 cm(0.59") long. The small flowers are 2.3 cm (0.9") in diameter. The fruits are edible. Pseudopilocereus magnificus is used in rockeries, on dry, sunny slopes, in cactus and succulent gardens, and in pots when young. Pilosocereus magnificus prefers full sun exposure but will also grow in light shade; it requires a warm, dry climate. The safe winter temperature is 12 °C (53.6 ºF). The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate with a handful of pumice. Water moderately, once a week in summer and once every two weeks in spring. Reduce watering in autumn and do not water in winter. Fertilize with mineral fertilizer for cacti in early spring. Prune dead branches in early spring. Pilosocereus magnificus is resistant to common pests and diseases but sensitive to cold and excess moisture in the roots. Pseudopilocereus magnificus is propagated by cuttings in spring or summer and from seeds sown in spring in a sandy seedbed. |
Images of the cactus Pilosocereus magnificus or Pseudopilocereus magnificus |
 Pilosocereus magnificus  Pilosocereus magnificus |