Free Aporocactus Flagelliformis Plants

acalypha hispida plant
The extraordinary Aporocactus can produce trailing stems up to two metres (six feet six inches) long in ideal conditions. It makes an excellent subject for a hanging pot or basket in a very sunny situation. Great care needs to be taken with positioning, as the fine, prickly spine can cause injuries and are very difficult to remove from the skin. When hanging the plant, ensure that it is anchored well in the pot or basket as any unbalanced growth can cause it to fall out. The Aporocactus is at its best in spring when it produces attractive reddish pink, tubular flowers. Athough the individual flowers only last about a week the plant can remain in flower for up to two months.

Plant type : Flowering cactus with trailing habit
Season of interest : Spring
Size : 30-90cm (12—36in)
Flower : Tubular, 5cm (2in), reddish pink, produced in spring
Leaf : Long, trailing, prickly, ribbed, cylindrical stems, 1,25cm (jin) wide, up to 2m (78in) long, although more usually 30-90cm (12—36in) long indoors
Temperature : 10-28°C (50-82°F)
Aspect/Light : Well-lit situation with exposure to direct sunlight
Humidity : Low
Watering : Evenly moisten compost in spring and summer, allowing to dry out somewhat before re-watering, water just enough to prevent dehydration in autumn and winter
Feeding : Once every three to four weeks with flowering plant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Plant 10-15cm (4—6in) tip or stem cuttings in cactus and succulent compost at 20-22°C (68 —72°F) in spring or summer
Potting : Cactus and succulent compost
Problems : Mealy bug
Availability : Occasionally available throughout year
Uses indoors : Good hanging basket or hanging pot plant for display in south facing window