The cactus family includes many plants that surprise not only with their beauty, but also with their shape. Forest cacti are especially distinguished from other representatives by their appearance. The genus of these plants has about 65 species of epiphytes. They are characterized by a different shape of shoots: ribbed, leaf-shaped, cylindrical, etc. These epiphytic shrubs of small size can reach 1 m. A feature of plants is the presence of aerial roots.
Often, forest cacti grow on trees. In this case, they get nutrients from organic residues that accumulate on the cortex. Plant moisture is obtained from the air, absorbing it through the surface of the leaves.
Forest cacti can also actively sprout in a small amount of humus, in rock crevices. Rooted plants can attach to rocks.
The natural habitat for these cacti is the tropics of Central and South America. But many of us know these plants as indoor plants.
Features and Description
Representatives of this species were first discovered in the forest zone of the South American continent. They grew on trees in the form of deciduous growths of green color. These are epiphytes - plants belonging to the Cactus family, characterized by brown-green or green color. They often lack thorns.
The most attractive in epiphytic cacti are their flowers. They bloom in the spring and summer. The buds of these plants are characterized by a wide palette of shades (pink, white, yellow, raspberry, etc.). The shape of the inflorescences is also different, they can be both small and large.
Epiphytes are often used in ampel gardening. They become an excellent home decoration. From the flowerpots, the leaves of plants with blooming buds are attractively and gracefully hanging. These flowers are not only a great decoration for the home, they clean the air well. Bioenergy also talk about the positive effect of plants on the normalization of the energy balance in the room.
Plant care
These plants require minimal maintenance. Forest cacti, subject to all cultivation rules, will delight the flowering of their owners for a long time annually.
Lighting and temperature
The ambient temperature should correspond to the phase of plant growth. At rest, it should not exceed 15-17 0 , at other times the temperature should be in the range of 18-22 0 .
Particular attention should be paid to lighting the room. After all, the natural habitat of the plant is the tropics. The light should be diffused, but bright. It is necessary to exclude direct sunlight on the shoots of plants. Experienced flower growers recommend placing flowerpots with homemade cacti on the east side. Photos of forest cacti will not leave indifferent any amateur grower. After all, such a plant must necessarily be on the windowsill in each apartment.
Humidity and watering
Watering the plant differs depending on the time of year. For example, in the spring, a cactus needs to be watered more often. And during the period of active growth, the formation of buds and flowering itself, the plant should be watered as necessary. As soon as the earth dries, it must be moistened immediately.
Watering is best done with warm soft water. It is necessary to provide for frequent spraying of plants from the spray gun.
Plant transplant
Transplanting a cactus is necessary if the root system does not have enough space in the pot. It’s also a great way to rejuvenate a plant. Florists recommend replanting a cactus annually after flowering. This recommendation does not apply to epiphyllum forest cactus. After all, a cramped pot stimulates the flowering of a plant.
Cactus breeding
Most forest cacti propagate vegetatively in the summer or spring. To do this, carefully cut the cuttings (top of the stem). You can use the side shoots, which already have rudimentary roots.
Sprouts need to be planted in a small pot in a moistened peat-based soil mixture. It is recommended to cover the container with a transparent film or a jar to create greenhouse conditions. After a few weeks, the root system will begin to actively develop.
Difficulties in reproduction are caused by cacti that do not have children. You must choose a healthy side shoot, which is carefully cut with a clean, sterile knife. The cut site is dried for 3-4 days. The section is sprinkled with a crushed tablet of activated carbon. After the cactus can be rooted in a moist substrate, the basis of which will be peat.
At present, flower growers distinguish many original species, as well as their hybrids. Consider the popular names of forest cacti, which are most often found in amateur gardeners.
Zygocactus
This plant is also known as Schlumberger. This cactus is considered the most common, it is loved for its unpretentiousness and ease of care. The plant is very beautiful, tender during flowering. The leaf of the zygocactus consists of many segments, on which there are sharp tips. Blooms Schlumberger raspberry, white, pink, purple.
Easter candle or ripsalidopsis
This plant got its name due to flowering time, which often coincides with Easter holidays. In appearance, the Easter candle resembles a zygocactus, but the flower petals and stems are more elongated. And the edges of the flowers are wavy, with a pronounced dark edging.
Epiphyllum
Often the name of this cactus is confused with the common name of the family. But this plant has its own unique history. In the literature, this flower is often called a cactus orchid because of the height of the stem and the splendor of the flowers. All buds are collected in a funnel, which is framed by a large number of pink petals. The cross-shaped stalk, in the recesses of which are dense leaves.
Melocactus
This plant is known to domestic flower growers as a melon cactus. The plant is round, in width and height it can be quite voluminous. This plant is characterized by the presence of thorns that are located on the edges of the main stem. A large meaty bud is always located on top of the plant. The bud is white-red or white-orange.
Pereskia
This cactus is unusually beautiful during flowering. Flowers of a pale shade resemble a visually wild rose. The bush itself is small. It consists of a large number of stems with dense glossy oval-shaped leaves. Pereskia cactus is undemanding to growing conditions, grows well at home with proper care.
Ripsalis
This cactus looks like a shrub made up of many thin stems. The flowers are small, yellow or white. This plant is unpretentious. It requires a small amount of moisture, may be located in a poorly lit room.
Conclusion
Forest cacti are plants that have taken root well at home with our compatriots. Everyone knows the Christmas tree, which blooms on New Year's holidays. This plant pleases the eye, gives hope and faith in a brighter future. Indeed, in winter, bright cactus flowers help fight depression.
Photos and names of forest cacti will help every novice grower to decide on a future resident of his windowsill. These unpretentious, but sophisticated plants will decorate your home and purify the air. A wide variety of species allows you to choose the perfect option for your home.