Disocactus martianus
Junco, Different cactus, Martius cactus
Also known as Cereus martianus, Aporocactus martianus, Ereocereus martianus
- Height × spread
- 0.5m × 5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Flowers
- Winter, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A long stemmed ground-hugging cactus with its cylindrical stems spreading along the ground. These may be as much as 5 metres in length, often less than half that. They are heavily armoured with a net of light yellow spines and a lesser number sturdy brown ones. The plant will branch as it creeps. It produces attractive flowers up to 12 centimetres in length and coloured in shades of red and purple, sometimes quite pale. Rounded green fruits follow.
- Flower colour
- Purple, Red
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.5m
- Spread
- 5m
- Height in 10 years
- 0.3m
- Spread in 10 years
- 1m
- Flowers in
- Winter, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Dry soil
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- full light at all times
- Indoor temperature
- 16C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- Yes, leaves & stems are prickly/thorny
Spring
Spring-Summer · Indoors
Feed with cactus feed
Use specialist cactus feed and apply monthly from April to August, using the quantity advised on the label.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth.
Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Spring-Summer · Outdoors
Feed with cactus feed
Use specialist cactus feed and apply monthly from April to August, using the quantity advised on the label.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth.
Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Winter
Winter · Indoors
Water sparingly during dormancy
In its dormant period give very little water, keeping the soil barely moist. Dormancy is likely to be during the winter and the plant recommences growth in early to mid spring.
When a plant enters dormancy the leaves fade, go yellow and then brown. Eventually the whole plant may 'disappear' or unadorned stems may remain.
Winter · Outdoors
Water sparingly during dormancy
In its dormant period give very little water, keeping the soil barely moist. Dormancy is likely to be during the winter and the plant recommences growth in early to mid spring.
When a plant enters dormancy the leaves fade, go yellow and then brown. Eventually the whole plant may 'disappear' or unadorned stems may remain.
Planting & general
Indoor temperature · Planting
16C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 16 Centigrade.
Compost · Planting
Cactus epiphyte compost for repotting
If enriched compost or a specialist mix is not available, you can use a standard cactus compost mixed with an equal addition of leaf mould or organic material.
To make your own one 'recipe' suggests a mix made up of 50 percent John Innes no. 2, plus equal quantities of horticultural fine grit and leaf mould, or organic material, or fine chopped bark. Other 'recipes' are available from specialists.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in a sunny spot, eg windowsill
Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible. It is suitable for sunny windowsills as it can cope with high day temperatures and lower night temperatures.