Sakura Kirin is a unique and versatile cactus species known for its lush, vine-like appearance and vibrant green-blue foliage. Often referred to as an "alternative" in the cactus world, it is widely used for potted plants, hedges, and artistic arrangements. In southern China, it's commonly used to create green walls and courtyard landscapes, offering excellent aesthetic results. Due to its strong compatibility with crabgrass and small cacti, it is frequently used as a rootstock for grafting epiphytic and miniature cactus species, resulting in eye-catching ornamental plants.
Native to Colombia, Sakura Kirin is an evergreen, semi-vining plant belonging to the Cactaceae family. It resembles typical broad-leaved shrubs or vines, with stems that can grow up to 15 meters tall, though they typically reach 6 to 7 meters. The stems are thick, smooth, and clearly segmented at the nodes. Although fleshy, they lignify easily, maintaining their structure. Sharp, dark-brown thorns are present along the stems. The leaves are fleshy, waxy, and about 10–12 cm long and 5 cm wide, with a bright green color. The plant produces terminal racemes of purplish-red, radially symmetrical flowers, measuring 5–6 cm in diameter. Flowering occurs mainly from May to October, but with proper temperature control, blooms can be seen year-round.
In comparison to the wood unicorn (also known as leaf cactus), which is found in Brazil, Sakura Kirin shares similar morphology and growth habits. However, the wood unicorn has yellow flowers and emits a pleasant fragrance, distinguishing it from Sakura Kirin.
Propagation of Sakura Kirin is typically done through cuttings, best performed between April and September, with the fastest results occurring from May to June. To propagate, select healthy branches from 1- to 2-year-old plants, cut them into 10 cm sections with leaves, allow the cut ends to dry in a cool, dry place, and then insert them diagonally into pure river sand, about 3–5 cm deep. After shading and keeping the environment moist, roots usually appear within 15 days, and the plants can be transplanted after about a month.
Sakura Kirin is highly adaptable, thriving in warm, humid conditions and showing strong drought resistance. It tolerates both full sun and partial shade, and requires minimal soil quality—ordinary garden soil is sufficient for healthy growth. In southern China, it can be grown directly in open fields, while in northern regions, it’s better suited for pots. For potted plants, use well-draining, sandy soil rich in organic matter. Water regularly during the growing season, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During summer outdoor care, avoid overwatering, especially on rainy days, to prevent root rot.
During the growing season, fertilize every 10–15 days with a diluted organic liquid fertilizer or compound fertilizer to promote healthy leaf color and robust growth. With proper watering, fertilization, and suitable temperatures, the flowering period can last almost indefinitely. To maintain a full, attractive shape, prune the plant when it reaches 10–15 cm in height, encouraging multiple lateral branches. Bonsai techniques can also be applied for more artistic shaping.
In winter, keep the plant in a location where the temperature stays above 10°C, reduce watering, and stop fertilizing. If temperatures drop below 6°C, the plant may enter dormancy, and some tender stems may become necrotic. However, the older, lignified stems will regrow new shoots the following year. Repot every 2–3 years to ensure continued healthy growth.
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