Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) 5 seeds

Saguaro - Carnegiea gigantea - 5 Seeds

One of the most magnificent representatives of the plant kingdom is this giant cactus that you'll recognize from western films, pulp fiction illustrations, and Mexican restaurant decor. One of the most famous cacti in the world!

Also known by its Native American name saguaro. It occurs only in the Sonoran Desert, primarily in the state of Arizona (USA), but also in the border region of Sonora state (Mexico). It has become famous both for its height and its unmistakable habit. It serves as a nesting "tree," and its flowers, but especially its fruits, are an important food source for many animals.

This is a well-known and impressive plant that looks very imposing. And why imposing? It grows up to 12 meters tall! The oldest plants of this species are around two hundred years old, possibly up to 250.

How to Grow Carnegiea

• Plants need direct sunlight. South-facing windowsills are ideal. It's advisable to use settled or preferably soft water, which applies to all plants. Watering is appropriate only after the substrate has completely dried out. If water remains in the saucer, pour it out. In winter, plants can be misted. We repot in early spring or summer, during growth stagnation. Cacti overwinter at eight to twelve degrees Celsius completely without watering. In winter, heated apartments don't suit them. It's therefore advisable to move them to a cool hallway or corridor. Light or darkness is not decisive for them. In summer, we water minimally - root rot could occur.

• Sowing is done in March-April in special substrate. It contains 2 parts fine sand and 1 part soil. Seeds are sown on the substrate surface. Plastic containers with holes are suitable. Water thoroughly. Cover containers with glass or a plastic lid. Place seedlings in a warm, bright location. Direct sun can destroy seeds or seedlings. Cold-loving species germinate at temperatures around twenty-five degrees, heat-loving species at temperatures above thirty degrees Celsius. Ventilate small plants regularly. When seedlings reach 0.5 cm, we can transplant them. Place them in sun only after one or two years of cultivation.

• A mixture with at least one-third coarse sand, clay aggregate, perlite, or similar material increasing permeability is suitable. Garden soil is appropriate as the substrate for this mixture.

• If we repot plants regularly every year, we don't apply fertilizer. Fertilizer watering is sufficient maximum three times a year during the growing season. Use special succulent fertilizer, mixed according to package instructions.

• Cacti are most commonly troubled by mealybugs, root mealybugs, and spider mites. Mealybugs create small woolly tufts on the cactus surface, or root mealybugs that parasitize plant roots. Spider mites suck surface cells from the cactus, which subsequently takes on gray-green to orange colors, stops growing, and may die. Treat plants with appropriate insecticides.

  Rot is a significant problem. This is caused by permanently wet soil or mold. Cut off the rotted part, let it dry, and after some time try to re-root the plant. If the plant is heavily infected, the probability of saving it is low.

  Fusarium rot causes wilting of cacti. Plants lose their shine, pale, and individual segments wilt; gradually the entire plant wilts from the disease.

  Among fungal diseases, plants are most commonly attacked by powdery mildew, rust, and molds. It's advisable to use special fungicides.

Photo Sources:
By WClarke - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53486726
By Daniel Ramirez from Honolulu, USA - Saguaro trunk - close upUploaded by Jacopo Werther, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25308782
By Quinn Dombrowski - Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53431660
By Ken Bosma - originally posted to Flickr as Lift your hands; Rejoice and be glad, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8885029