Denmoza
Family: Cactaceae
Habitat: Argentina
Cultivatiion: The Denmoza are simple to cultivate but do not withstand the low temperatures: already around 10 ° C it is good to make sure that the plant is in a dry place, and as the temperature falls below 4 ° C, it has to be sheltered. It can be watered every 3-4 days in the summer and reduce the frequency in autumn, until stop completely in winter.
Curiosity: The name Denmoza seems to be the anagram of Mendoza, the main city of western Argentina, the area from where it comes.
DENMOZA KEY FEATURES
Denmoza plants are globular cacti, round-shaped when they are young then become cylindrical as the plant grows. Originated in the rocky slopes of Argentina, with altitudes of 2,000-2500 meters, they have a good ability to adapt to our climates. The stem is divided into parallel and well separated ribs of about 1 cm wide in adult specimens. Sometimes they are slightly wavy. It can have a diameter of 15 to 30 cm and a green color, in various shades.
Along the ribs we find a series of fluffy areolas from which robust and slightly curved thorns come out, they are reddish-brown or yellow depending on the variety. In both cases, over time, they tend to become gray. The flowers are very particular: they are born at the top of the plant and are squamous, with long white bristles. They are red and unlike other cactacee they never open and are always closed. The stamens protrude outside, and create with the time small red and glittery fruits.
VARIETIES AND TYPES
The genus Denmoza includes only two species: Denmoza rhodacantha and Denmoza erythrocephala. Denmoza rhodacantha – the stem ribs are wider and more defined. Denemosa erythrocephala – the stem ribs are narrower and numerous. Some special varieties are added to this subdivision: for example, the term flavispina indicates the variants (of both species) with the yellow thorns rather than brown; In the diamantina variant, however, they are ivory-colored. Previous classifications did not distinguish Demnoza from other types of cactus, so you may still find these plants as Echinocactus rhodocanthus or erythrocephalo instead of as Denmoza.
TIPS FOR CULTIVATION
Demnoza is a robust, slow-growth cactus, which has no particular cultivation problems. Here, however, we summarize our main tips:
- Sun exposure, it grows well either in full or half sun. The important thing is that it is a well-ventilated place (especially if it has to withstand the direct rays of the sun for many hours a day).
- The temperature should not fall below 4 ° C. It is therefore recommended to put the plants under shelter in winter when the weather is getting cold. In any case, at temperatures below 10 ° C, it is recommended to avoid humid soils or environments.
- Water every 3-4 days during the vegetative period, taking care to let the soil dry between the watering. Decrease the frequency in the autumn, stop it completely suspended during the winter.
- As a slow growth plant, fertilization must be scarce. Every 20 days is enough.
- Demnoza is not a demanding plant in terms of soil. However, choose one with high drainage
- It may be necessary to repot the plant every 2-3 years, not more often. Choose a jar rather deep.
For the reproduction of Denmoza, only seeds are used, as it is not possible to get cuttings and, even by using a stem cutting, it would not work. For sowing please use a very sandy soil, water frequently and keep it constantly moist. As long as the new seedlings are not sprouted, keep them at a temperature of about 20 ° C.
