Cephalocereus apicicephalium
| Light | Bright light to full sun once established |
|---|---|
| Water | Moderate in summer; keep dry and rested in winter |
| Soil | Fast-draining mineral mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing; happiest in warm, frost-free conditions |
| Propagation | Seed (primary); cuttings possible but slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Cephalocereus apicicephalium is a slender, columnar cactus from the seasonally dry country of southern Mexico, in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas. Like others in the genus Cephalocereus, mature plants develop a woolly pseudocephalium — a dense, felted flowering zone — at or near the tip of the stem, from which the nocturnal flowers emerge. Reaching only about 1–3 m tall with stems up to roughly 7 cm across, it is one of the shorter, more slender-stemmed members of its genus.
Description
Cephalocereus apicicephalium forms a relatively short, slender column that may branch at or near the base with age. The grey-green stems are ribbed (roughly 22–25 narrow ribs), carrying areoles that bear spines and, in the flowering zone, longer hair-like bristles. The overall look is greener and far less densely hairy than the famous old man cactus, though individual plants vary.
As the plant reaches flowering size it produces an apical pseudocephalium — a zone of dense wool and bristles near the growing tip, from which the flowers appear. As growth continues, new stem grows up through this wool, leaving the old pseudocephalium behind as a persistent woolly ring — a characteristic trait of the species. The nocturnal flowers are bell-shaped and modest in size, and are followed by small fleshy fruits. The concentration of the flowering wool toward the apex is the trait reflected in the species epithet.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to southern Mexico, in Oaxaca and Chiapas, where it grows on rocky, largely limestone slopes and cliffs in dry tropical forest and scrub. Its habitat is warm and strongly seasonal, with a rainy season followed by a long dry period — conditions that shape its watering needs in cultivation.
Like the whole cactus family, Cephalocereus is listed under CITES Appendix II, so international trade in wild plants is regulated. Nursery-grown, seed-raised plants are the right way to add one to a collection.
Cultivation
C. apicicephalium is grown much as other columnar Cephalocereus. Give it a very free-draining, mostly mineral mix and the brightest position you can offer; well-established plants take full sun, which encourages sturdy growth and good spine and wool development. Acclimatise plants gradually to avoid scorching soft new growth.
Water moderately through the warm growing season, letting the mix approach dryness between soakings, then keep the plant dry and rested over winter. Warmth suits it — it dislikes cold, damp conditions, which invite rot. See Watering and Repotting for general technique.
Propagation
Seed is the usual and most reliable method: sow on a warm, mineral surface kept humid until germination, then grow the seedlings on slowly. Cuttings of branched stems can be rooted but are slower and less commonly done. See Propagation — seed and Propagation — cuttings for full walkthroughs.
Common problems
- Rot — the usual killer, brought on by cold, wet, poorly drained conditions or overwatering in winter.
- Etiolation — too little light produces thin, pale, drawn growth that never firms up.
- Pests — mealybugs (white fluff in the areoles and wool) and red spider mites (fine webbing, bronzed skin) are the common offenders; see Pests and diseases.
See also
- Cephalocereus — the genus overview
- Cephalocereus senilis — the old man cactus
- Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — seed · Propagation — cuttings