Pereskia: photos, features of leaf cactus care at home, as well as a description of the structure and colors of Grandiflora, Brazilian and other species and varieties

Pereskia is the origin of cactus plants, which are common in Central and South America. In the past, cacti consisted of leaves, and when the climate in the deserts was too dry, they began to turn into thorns. And the central part of the plant is able to fulfill all the functions of the leaves. Cacti are popular indoor plants. There are few people who do not like them. Leaf cacti are not as common as "classic" ones with spines, but they are not inferior in anything to their decorative effect. Such cacti include the genus Pereskia.

Description

Pereskia (Pereskia) - one of the oldest genera of the Cactus family, refers to the so-called "leaf cacti." The very first cacti, the ancestors of modern ones, had leaves, which eventually turned into thorns, so that the plant could adapt to a dry climate.

For the first time Peresia was described in 1703 by Charles Plumier. The name of the family was given in honor of the French scientist Nicolas-Claude de Peiresca. Carl Linnaeus attributed these plants to the genus Cactus, and in 1754 Philip Miller placed them in the genus Peresius.

Pereskia is an evergreen perennial that looks like a large or low tree with spiky stems and oval leaves with a green or purple color. In the axillary sections of the leaves are areles of thorns. They can be single or grow in bunches. Over the years, the foliage of the plant turns pale and dries, and during the dormant period it completely flies around. In natural conditions, pereskia, as it grows, clings to various trees with the help of thorns. This succulent can grow up to 10 m. The plant has a well-developed root system and grows rapidly.

The homeland of Pereskia is South and Central America.

Popular species and varieties, as well as their photos

Brazilian (Bahiensis)

It is a bush with chestnut bark, covered with cracks. The leaves of this species are long and leathery, petioles are absent. One-day flowers, in inflorescences there are from 2 to 12 pieces of pink or purple.

Prickly (Aculeata)

Curly shrub with a fleshy stalk. Branches abundantly, the diameter of the plant can reach up to 1.5 cm. Oval leaves have a dark green color. Fragrant flowers bloom in late summer, early fall have a cup-shaped and white-yellow with a pinkish tint. The yellow fruits that appear after flowering are edible. We wrote more about this type of plant in this article.

Godseffiana (Godseffiana)

A kind of prickly pereskia, which is sometimes isolated in a separate form. It is the most common species of peres. It has thinner shoots than prickly pereskas, which are covered with bunches of black spines. Oval leaves are painted in light green color, the central part is darker. The reverse side of the leaf plate is usually pinkish or purple. The flowers are small, white or cream color. You can find all the details about the Godseff transcription here.

Orange (Bleo)

It has large leaves with a vein pattern that stands out on them. Flowers open in the evening, have a bright orange color and reach a diameter of 5-6 cm. Fruits are yellow cone-shaped berries with a characteristic pineapple smell. Not edible.

Grandiflora (Grandiflora) or Bolshetsvetkovaya

It is a tall shrub with bright green foliage. Shiny leathery leaves fall off if the temperature reaches + 10 ° C or drops below. The stem is covered with thorns. The flowers are large, pink.

Weber (Weberiana)

Forms compact bushes suitable for creating bonsai. In April-August, abundant flowering occurs, during which young shoots are covered with a large number of snow-white flowers.

Leaf cactus care at home

Temperature. For peresia, the ideal temperature is 22-23 ° C.
Watering. In spring and summer, the cross-section is watered as the soil dries.
Attention! Excessive watering is dangerous for the plant.
Shine. These succulents tolerate direct sunlight and grow well on the southern windows. On the western and northern windowsills they can also grow, but they are unlikely to bloom. After a long cloudy weather or after the acquisition, the plant should be accustomed to direct sunlight gradually.
Priming. For peresia, soil of a fertile and loose appearance is taken; humus can also be added to the substrate. Sometimes several types of soil are combined: leaf, clay-turf, humus and sand (2: 2: 2: 1). At the bottom of the pot you need to put drainage.
Pruning. The plant needs forming pruning, it is carried out in the spring. The resulting cuttings can be used for propagation.
Top dressing. Peresia is fed in spring and summer, once every two weeks. Fertilizers are used for cacti, but it costs only half of the dose indicated on the package. Succulents are dangerous high levels of nitrogen.
Pot. The plant has powerful roots, so it needs a wide pot. With each transfer, you need to select a capacity larger than the previous one.
Transfer. Young succulents are transplanted several times a year, as they grow. Carefully transship the transverse from one container to another so as not to damage the roots. Adult plants are rarely transplanted, only if it is absolutely necessary.
Wintering. In autumn, the temperature in the room where the cross is located is lowered to 15 ° C, and the watering is reduced to prepare the succulent for the rest period. In winter, a dormant period begins, then the plant should be kept at a temperature of about 12-16 ° C. In winter, it is necessary to occasionally water the pereskia so that leaves do not fly around it. The temperature should not drop below 10 ° C.

Features of outdoor care

Pereskia is not afraid of drafts, so in the summer it feels great in the open. However, the plant should be protected from precipitation.

Propagation at home

Cuttings. Cuttings of the stem type are cut in the spring or summer. Roots appear and develop in water, it takes about 3 weeks. After the cuttings are immersed in a moistened perlite or peat composition, covered with a film. For quick rooting, a temperature of 25-28 ° C should be observed. When the seedlings are strong enough, transplant in separate pots.
The seeds. Peresia seeds are sown in spring in containers filled with a sand-peat mixture. Seeds are buried to a depth of 0.5-1 cm, watered and covered with a film. It is necessary to maintain a temperature of 20-22 ° C, then after 2-3 weeks the first shoots will appear, the film is removed. When the seedlings appear 4 leaves, they are planted in separate vessels.

Reproduction and cultivation of pereskia in the open field does not differ from propagation and cultivation at home.

Bloom

Peresia blooms in summer or autumn (depending on the species). At this time, at the ends of young shoots a large number of axillary flowers is formed. Peresia flower has no tube, unlike the flowers of other cacti. Peresia flower consists of 8 wide open lanceolate petals, in the center of the bud is a large core of many yellow stamens. The flowers have a rich citrus smell. After flowering, round or cone-shaped inedible berries appear.

If the peresia does not bloom, make sure that all the rules for caring for it are followed. Perhaps she lacks lighting or humidity.

Diseases and Pests

With excessive watering, especially during dormancy, root decay may occur.
If there is high humidity in the air and circulation does not occur, gray rot may appear in some parts of the plant stem. If such a disease affects the plant, you should treat it with a special composition and change the conditions of detention.
Among the pests that are attracted to Peresia: mealybug, spider mites, thrips.

Similar plants

Epiphyllum - a genus of plants of the Cactus family, in which there are about 20 species. Like Peresia, it is a leaf cactus.
Lepismium - a genus of leaf cacti, which includes about 10 species.
Hatiora (Hatiora) - a genus of leaf cacti from the rainforests of Brazil.
Schlumbergera (Schlumbergera) - a genus of leaf cacti common in tropical forests in southeastern Brazil. Also known as zygocactus and decembrist.
Ripsalidopsis (Rhipsalidopsis) - a genus of evergreen shrubs that belong to leaf cacti.

Pereskia is not a very whimsical and hardy plant with high decorative qualities and special beauty. With proper care, it can become a good addition to the room.