Care of the cactus Neobuxbaumia euphorbioides or Carnegiea euphorbioides |
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The genus Neobuxbaumia, family Cactaceae, includes 10 species of cactus native to Mexico. Some species are: Neobuxbaumia euphorbioides, Neobuxbaumia polylopha, Neobuxbaumia mezcalaensis, Neobuxbaumia macrocephala. Scientific synonyms: Cephalocereus euphorbioides, Carnegiea euphorbioides, among others. This species is native to San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas and Veracruz, Mexico. They are dark green columnar cacti that branch from the base and reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. They have 8-10 rounded and slightly tuberculate ribs. The circular areoles have 1-10 gray radial spines and 1-2 central spines up to 4 cm (1.57") long. They produce attractive pink lateral flowers up to 7 cm (2.75") in diameter. The fruits are edible. These fast-growing plants are used in rockeries, to create groups, as isolated specimens and in large pots for terraces and patios. The Neobuxbaumia euphorbioides needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate; young plants prefer semi-shade exposure. It is not advisable for the temperature to drop below 6 ºC (42.8 ºF). The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate or a mixture of equal parts leaf mulch and coarse siliceous sand. Transplant every 2 years in spring if the pot has become too small. Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely; slightly increase watering in summer and no watering in winter. Fertilize with mineral fertilizer for cacti once a month in spring and summer. They do not need pruning. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess moisture. They are propagated by stem cuttings and from seeds sown in spring (they germinate in less than a month). |
Images of the cactus Neobuxbaumia euphorbioides or Carnegiea euphorbioides |
 Neobuxbaumia euphorbioides  Neobuxbaumia euphorbioides |