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Notes: The
cause of cresting: The cause of cresting is not fully explained.
Biologists disagree
as to why some plants grow in this unusual form.
Some
speculate that it is a genetic mutation. Others say it is the result of
a strike of
lightning or freeze damage, but whatever the stimulus, the growth
point of the stem has switched from a geometric point, to a line, which
folds and undulates as the crest expands. Though these crested
E. subdenudata are very rare, cresting occurs naturally, and can be
encountered in many other cactus species.
Photo and © copyright by Simone (cactuslover-Italy)
Cultivation: The grafted
plants are easy to grow and will form a large brain-like mounds
with age. Watering during the active growing season (spring and
summer); this will encourage steady growth, and prevent the large
tubercles from becoming flabby.
The plants on their own roots do well under
cultivation. Use very draining
soil, water during the aestival growth cycle (They need
plenty of water), but need to be avoided wetting the bodies of these
plants while they are in sunlight. A wet cactus in the sun light can
cause sun burning which can lead to scares or even fungal infections and
death.
Need half sun. Keep dry at 10°C in winter,
but they can tolerate sporadic light frost.
Propagation: Grafting or
stem cutting.
Photo of conspecific taxa,
varieties, forms and cultivars of Echinopsis subdenudata.
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