Care of the cactus Neobuxbaumia polylopha or Golden Saguaro |
|
The genus Neobuxbaumia, family Cactaceae, comprises 10 species of cactus native to Mexico. Some species are: Neobuxbaumia polylopha, Neobuxbaumia euphorbioides, Neobuxbaumia mezcalaensis, Neobuxbaumia macrocephala. Common names: Cone Cactus, Wax Cactus, Golden-Spined Saguaro, Golden Saguaro. Scientific synonyms: Carnegiea polylopha, Cereus polylophus, Pilocereus polylophus. This species is native to Central Mexico. They are columnar cacti (sometimes branching) that reach 12 meters (39.37 feet) in height. They have abundant (up to 50) shallow ribs furrowed with areoles with 2 cm (0.78") spines; in the floral zone of the stem the thorns reach 5 cm (1.96") in length. The pretty flowers appear at the tip of the stem, are funnel-shaped and deep red in color. They bloom from late spring to late summer. They are used to create groups in the garden, as isolated specimens, in rockeries and in large pots for terraces. They are ideal for coastal gardens with a Mediterranean climate. Neobuxbaumia polylopha needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. In winter it's better not to expose them to less than 5 ºC (41 ºF). They must be protected from the wind. They can grow in any soil that is very well drained and slightly acidic (add leaf mulch, for example). Irrigate with little amount of water once a week during the summer; reduce watering the rest of the year and do not water in winter. Fertilize monthly in summer with a mineral cactus fertilizer. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess water. They are propagated by cuttings or from seeds sown in a seedbed with background heat. |
Images of the cactus Neobuxbaumia polylopha or Golden Saguaro |
 Neobuxbaumia polylopha  Neobuxbaumia polylopha |