Disocactus nelsonii

RHS Plant Profile

Nelson disocactus

Dorling Kindersley 2003

Synonyms

Chiapasia nelsonii

Cactus Succulent Conservatory Greenhouse Houseplants

An evergreen cactus with main stems to 1.5m in length, bearing arching, flattened lateral branches and fragrant funnel-shaped purplish-pink flowers to 10cm across

Position

Full sun

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 10–20 years
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid

Position

Full sun

Aspect: North–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H1B

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Cactaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Disocactus are evergreen perennials with cylindrical main stems and flattened side shoots, bearing funnel-shaped, sometimes fragrant flowers on the margins, followed by fleshy white fruits
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: S Mexico to Honduras

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in an acidic, epiphytic cactus compost in bright filtered light with low humidity. Water freely when in growth and apply a dilute fertiliser in spring and late summer. Water sparingly at other times

Propagation

Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants
Low Maintenance

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free