Consulta Plantas

Care of the cactus Denmoza rhodacantha or Cereus rhodacanthus

The genus Denmoza, family Cactaceae, includes a single species of cactus distributed throughout northern Argentina.

Scientific synonyms: Echinocactus rhodacanthus, Cleistocactus rhodacanthus, Cereus rhodacanthus, Echinopsis rhodacantha.

Denmoza rhodacantha is a slow-growing, dark green, columnar cactus that grows to 1.5 meters (.92 feet) in height. It has up to 30 broad ribs and areoles with 8-10 curved, reddish radial spines (they turn grey with age); the central spines can be 1-5. The attractive red flowers are up to 7.5 cm (2.95") long.

Echinocactus rhodacanthus is used in pots on windowsills, balconies and terraces. Adult specimens can be used in rockeries and in cactus and succulent gardens.

Denmoza rhodacantha needs full sun exposure and a dry climate; in Mediterranean climates it is advisable to avoid direct sun during the hottest hours of the day. It can withstand frosts down to -10 ºC (14 ºF).

The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate or a mixture of leaf mulch and coarse sand in equal parts. The pot is transplanted in spring.

Always water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. Do not water in winter.

Fertilize once a month during spring and summer with a mineral fertilizer for cacti.

Pruning is not necessary.

Echinopsis rhodacantha is a plant that does not usually present serious problems with pests and diseases if it is not watered excessively.

Denmoza rhodacantha is propagated from seeds sown in spring in a sandy substrate.

Images of the cactus Denmoza rhodacantha or Cereus rhodacanthus