Brazilian Pricklypear

Brazilian Pricklypear Care

Brasiliopuntia Brasiliensis

What is the plant

Brasiliopuntia brasiliensis is a tree-like, perennial cactus with a peculiar habit and mode of growth at once distinguish this species. It rises with a perfectly straight erect slender but firm and stiff round trunk to a height to 9 or more metres tall, very gradually tapering to a point furnished all the way up with short mostly horizontal or declining branches bearing bright green branches of flattened, oval, spiny segments. The whole plant resembles a straight taper pole artificially dressed up with branches. The main stem is perfectly round and sheds 2-3-year-old side branches. The pale yellow flowers open in long succession in spring-summer, only on adult plants over 60-100 cm tall, and are followed by small, yellow fruits. A number of species have been described in the past, but are now considered only to be variants of B. brasiliensis.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
In summer, during the vegetative period, it must be regularly watered, but allowing the substratum to completely dry up before irrigating again (but do not overwater ); in winter, it’s to be kept dry. Preferable not to water on overcast days, humid days or cold winter days.
Sunlight
Outside full sun or afternoon shade (but adapt to shade too), inside needs bright light, and some direct sun.
Soil
It will grow in any kind of drained soil, and will resist to droughts, but prefer regular waterings. In pot culture use a draining substratum, as it is sensitive to rottenness when in presence of humidity and low temperatures and let the soil dry out between waterings.

Disease diagnosis

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Temperature
It is not very frost resistant cactus, hardy to -2° C or less if very dry. However in cultivation it is better not to expose it to temperatures lower than 10° C, even if in an aerated and protected location, in order to avoid the formation of anti-aesthetic spots on the epidermis. In presence of high atmospheric humidity avoid any frost as it is particularly sensitive to root rot. It can handle extremely high temperatures in summer.
Additional
It is armed with treacherous spines that are extremely sharp (This is one of the most dangerous of all cactus). Handle it with extreme caution, and keep it away from gangways and areas frequented by children and animals. Spines must be meticulously removed with tweezers.
Popularity
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