Cleistocactus Tupizensis Seeds 8 Seeds Free Shipping!
Cleistocactus tupizensis is a one-of-a-kind and well-loved columnar cactus that attracts many fans with its eye-catching look and upright growth style. Its unique traits make it a popular pick for both experienced collectors and those just starting out with cacti.
Identifying Cleistocactus Tupizensis
Cleistocactus tupizensis features slender, upright, columnar stems that are blue-green and segmented, growing up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall and 5-10 centimeters (2-4 inches) wide. It has striking red or reddish-brown spines that can reach up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) long, clustered along the stem segments. Plus, it has dense, short spines that are golden yellow to white, giving the plant a fuzzy look.
During spring and summer, trumpet-shaped flowers about 4-5 centimeters (1.5-2 inches) in diameter bloom from the sides of the stems. These flowers are usually bright red or orange-red. Unlike many other cacti, the flowers of Cleistocactus hardly open, which is reflected in the genus name “Cleistocactus,” meaning “closed cactus.”
Light Requirements
Cleistocactus tupizensis does best in bright, direct light, similar to its sunny native habitats. It needs at least six hours of sunlight each day, preferably in the morning and early afternoon. In areas with strong midday sun, some afternoon shade can help prevent sunburn. If it doesn’t get enough light, the plant may become etiolated, resulting in thin, stretched, and pale growth as it tries to find more light. This etiolated growth is permanent.
Watering Needs
This cactus is drought-resistant and doesn’t need much water, which suits its dry environment. Water it only when the top inch or two (2.5-5 cm) of soil feels completely dry. Overwatering is a frequent problem and can cause root rot. During its active growing season in spring and summer, regular watering is fine, but in the fall and winter when it’s dormant, you should cut back on watering or stop altogether, letting the soil stay dry.
Germinating Tiny Seeds
Tiny seeds, almost as fine as dust, such as lithops, other succulents and some cacti can be difficult to handle. Sometimes, in fact, the packet seems to contain notning except a trace of dust-size particles.
Here’s how to make a success of a tricky task.
For the potting medium use a seed starter mix. Or make your own using 2 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculate.
1. Use a small pan or pot for sowing, about 4 or 5 in is adequate.
2. Fill the pan or pot to overflowing with the seed compost. Then firm it first with your fingers then with a wooden presser.
3. Pour a teaspoon of fine sand into the seed packet and shake the mix sand and seed. Feel free to use slightly bigger bag to accomplish this.
4. Sow the seed direct from the packet, tapping it slowly to release the sand-seed mixture evenly over the compost.
5. DO NOT cover the seed with the compost, simply press them into the surface with the wooden presser.
6. Water the compost from underneath by standing the tray or pot in a bowl of tepid water.
7. Best to use a germination kit with a heating mat. Or make a mini greenhouse by covering the tray or pot with a piece of glass, cling film, or seal inside with polythene bag to keep the compost moist and the atomosphere slightly humid. Keep the seeds above 70 deg F. night and day. Low temperatures often delay germination.
8. Very Fine seeds have a lower germination rate than normal sized ones and the correct temperature for germination is very important.
