Whether or not you know the scientific name for the learning ability cactus ( Stenocactus multicostatus ) , it ’s probably already clear that sobriquet if you have it in your collection . The brain cactus has wavy ribbing that ’s unremarkably grey - unripened to moody green in coloring material . Although the encephalon cacti are ball-shaped and small in size , each one can have a unlike pattern to the wavy teasing , which prepare every cactus unique . They ’ve even got heyday that , at full size of it , can reach an in in diam . If you ’re someone who does n’t like make identical plants in their collection , this may be a good cactus to spring for ! Plus , theyaren’t all that difficult to give care for , even for beginner gardeners .
Different varieties of brain cactus
Brain cacti are part of theStenocactusgenus , and although themulticostatusis a unique choice for your compendium , there are few otherStenocactusspecies that also are colloquially referred to as “ brain cactus ” :
Caring for your brain cactus
Brain cactus attention is n’t all that different from manage for other cacti varieties . They have similar weewee and lightheaded requirement and hate being overwatered just as much as any other cactus or succulent in your collection .
TheStenocactus multicostatusloves warm , dry environment ( with low to moderate humidness ) but is astonishingly cold - tolerant , able to survive in temperatures as modest as 20 degree Fahrenheit . Even so , unless you live in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11 , this flora should n’t be spring up outside . If you accidentally leave behind it on an outdoor patio or balcony for a bit too long , it should be fine ; however , too much exposure to moth-eaten temperatures — even the 1 it can stomach — will cause the brain cactus to die .
Light involve : At least six hours of full sun per day ; can allow partial shade but wo n’t thrive as well or have many flowersWater needs : Use the soak and dry method acting , allowing dirt to dry out out wholly between watering ; relatively drought - tolerantSoil need : Well - draining , flaxen , rocky soil
Fertilizing your brain cactus
mentality cacti are n’t heavy feeders , but like all potted plants , it will ask a number of dressing during the fighting raise season ( spring through summer ) . check that to utilise a liquid fertiliser suited for cacti so that the mentality cactus is have exactly what it require . Using a liquid fertilizer as opposed to a gritty one will allow the plant agile memory access to the nutrients . Once fall hits , your brain cactus will go dormant until next saltation . Make trusted to continue tearing ( on an adjust agenda ) but be sure not to fertilize .
Can they be propagated?
If you have a nous cactus in your collection and want more , you’re able to propagate it ! Because of their form and structure , nous cacti can only be propagated by semen and not cuttings . Once the flower blooms and is spent , you should be able to reap the seeds for planting . Plant them in a starter mixture — typically in a shallow tray or in seed first — and place them in a warm , sunny locating . Keep the ground moist as they burgeon forth . If the seeds are practicable , you should initiate to see some growth in as little as two week .
How to successfully repot your brain cactus
When repotting any cactus , there are a few things you ’ll need in your arsenal before go : protective glove , novel soil , and the choose container . If you have a gentle touch , you may also grab some tongs to help with the process .
Before initiate , verify you ’re wearing your glove . These should be nice and thick-skulled , ideally with a finish , so that the spines ca n’t well get to your skin . For cacti with larger acantha — or if you just want the added help — you could use the pair of tongs for additional condom . As far as the container goes , you should select one that at least has a drain yap for surplus water to go through . This is particularly important because the estimable means to get it on when a cactus is quick for repotting is when the antecedent start to grow out the bottom .
To repot your brain cactus , first take it out of the current container , discard the old filth , and shake off as much excess grunge as you’re able to . fill up a layer of fresh soil in the raw pot , transplant the cactus into it , then fill the empty space with more of the new potting mix . If you have a container you love and it does n’t have good drainage , you’re able to always put in a small bed of pebble or rock in the bottom before the initial bed of soil .
The biggest problem to look out for? Root rot
Root decomposition will be your big foe — but how do you key out it ? If you distrust your brain cactus is have from root rot , you may notice that the soil is systematically squashy and not dry out out as well as it used to , and maybe the cactus itself is becoming a bit spongelike and having a hard time holding itself upright . You might even see spines start to fall off , too . If any of these strong-arm symptoms show up , your cactus is — at the very least — being overwatered .
Not all excessive lachrymation leads to steady down buncombe , but you should always audit an overwatered cactus to sleep together for sure . Take the cactus ( safely ) out of the container and throw out the soggy soil . If you note any of the roots are brown , dim , or mushy , they ’re rot . Take a look and see if any of the root system is still snowy , which is an indicator that some are still healthy and able-bodied to be saved . If the intact system is dark-brown and maudlin , the plant is too far gone . Dispose of it properly to circumscribe the risk of it becoming infested with pests or diseases that could spread to your other plants .
How to save a brain cactus with root rot
If you do happen to have some healthy roots left , not all is lost ! clean house off the roots of the brain cactus under thinly running water , then take a dyad of desexualize scissors or shear to remove all the mushy , discredited share of the ascendant system . If you ’re cutting a root that ’s part healthy and partially rotting , verify you do so right on above the rotting part so that all of it is removed .
Once you ’ve cleaned up the industrial plant , you’re able to repot it in a clean container using fresh potting mix . support off on lacrimation for about a week to give your brain cactus prison term to settle , and be sure to re - sterilize the dick you used so that nothing spreads to your other plants .
All - in - all , give care for a learning ability cactus is n’t much dissimilar than any other cactus species . Just be aware of how much you ’re watering and feed in it , and you should be able to keep it happy with small to no trouble !
