Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii

Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii is a native of Brazil in Eastern Bahia and Northern Bahia. It can sometimes dominate the environment to the extent of having impenetrable groves. It still grows quite well in considerable quantities, but some threats are reducing its numbers.  

Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii’s Physical Characteristics

This cactus has cylindrical stems that usually have white hairs all around them. The white hairs are so dense that they completely hide the stem from view. The stem usually branches at the base, and numerous ribs grow.

The ribs on a mature plant are usually between 20 and 28, which is quite dense. It has both central and radial spines, usually needle-like and erect. The plant has two or three central spines that come in brown or yellow and rise to 2 -3 cm.

The plant’s flowers bloom at night, and they are white. Each flower is about 4 cm long, maturing to produce oblong fruits with a pale pink hue. In the fruit are black ovoid seeds. Also, the seeds’ surface is rough, and most are viable.

Make sure to follow Succulent City on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram for more informative & interesting content about succulents & cacti 🙂 Happy planting, and live the moment, my friend!

Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii’s Plant Care

Though it is a cactus, it is somewhat drought-hardy; staying too long without water impedes its growth and health. Also, it is sensitive to rot when overwatered. Ensure the soil never gets too wet because these cacti’s root systems are not strong enough to absorb much water from the substrates.

You can avoid waterlogging by planting it in suitable soil, allowing water to flow through and exit the pot. The soil should have a large amount of gravel or pumice, at least 70% of the constitution. Also, the soil should be manageable as the cactus isn’t adapted to such an environment.

You can add potassium-based fertilizer during the growing season, but avoid feeding it in winter.

It prefers bright light, whether direct or indirect sunlight. It doesn’t like too much cold, but it is hardy to 4°C for short, dry periods. 

Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii’s Growth

This plant is usually propagated by seeds, which it produces in large, viable quantities. Seeds are the plant’s primary propagation method. Also, you can propagate using cuttings if the plant has branched at the base, as some plants need to do more.

This cactus doesn’t need to be pruned because it has less vegetative material, and trimming is optional because it doesn’t clamp.

The cactus may be attacked by mealybugs, scales, or red spiders, but it is possible to keep them at bay by keeping the cactus healthy.

You may want to re-pot if it outgrows its pot or the substrate gets too depleted. It is recommended to re-pot at least every two years or earlier if conditions demand. 

Before you go …

Succulent City only covers 1 article about Austrocephalocereus. If you want to discover more genera of cacti, you can take a look at two other suggestions below:

ABOUT ME

Richard Miller

Salute everyone. It's Richard, the author of this Succulent & Xeriscaping blog. I am a traveler and a nature lover looking for a connection with the wild green. In my journey, I found a love for succulents and xeriscaping. What attracts me is the long-lasting & unique beauty of every plant I have the chance to see with my own eyes. Welcome to my little blog and let's enjoy a good time together!

Contact me: richard.succulentcity@gmail.com