Care of the cactus Polaskia chichipe or Myrtillocactus chichipe |
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The genus Polaskia, family Cactaceae, includes only two species of cacti native to central Mexico: Polaskia chichipe and Polaskia chende. Scientific synonym: Myrtillocactus chichipe. Polaskia chichipe is a green or grayish-green columnar cactus that branches at the top of the plant and reaches 4 meters (13.12 feet) in height. It has 9-12 ribs and areoles with 6-7 gray radial spines and 1 longer central spine. It produces small yellowish-green or pinkish-white flowers. It blooms in spring. The red fruits are edible. Myrtillocactus chichipe is used in rockeries, on dry, sunny slopes, in cactus and succulent gardens, and in pots when young. Polaskia chichipe prefers semi-shaded exposure, avoiding direct sunlight during the central hours of the day. It withstands intense heat well but is not frost-resistant. The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate with 25% coarse sand or perlite. Repotting is done in early spring. Water moderately in spring and in summer, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. Reduce watering in autumn and hardly water in winter. Fertilize once in summer with mineral fertilizer for cacti and succulents. Pruning is not necessary. Myrtillocactus chichipe is fairly resistant to common pests and diseases but sensitive to cold and excess moisture. Polaskia chichipe propagates from seeds sown in sandy soil in spring and from cuttings in summer. |
Images of the cactus Polaskia chichipe or Myrtillocactus chichipe |
 Polaskia chichipe  Polaskia chichipe |