Browningia hertlingiana

Habitat and background of Browningia hertlingiana

This Peruvian species grows on slopes in dry valleys in the Andes. You may also find it under the scientific name Azureocereus hertlingianus.

Browningia hertlingiana: growing conditions and care

When this cactus is resting in cool conditions, keep the potting mix dry at around 5–15 °C. Keep this cactus at 5 °C or above. Cool, wet conditions increase the risk of rot. Provide good airflow. Normal indoor air is suitable, including relatively dry rooms.

For active growth, give strong sun, increasing exposure gradually. Use a freely draining cactus mix, let it dry fully, then water thoroughly and allow surplus water to drain away. Feed the growing cactus with a low-nitrogen specialist cactus fertiliser at the labelled cactus dose and application interval.

When crowded roots fill the container, move the cactus into a modestly larger pot. After repotting, wait at least one week before watering. Once that week has passed, water an actively growing plant thoroughly after the mix has dried fully, then let surplus water drain away. If the cactus is still resting in cool conditions, continue to keep the mix dry. Protect your hands from the sharp spines during handling, and keep it where children and pets cannot reach it or brush against it.

Signs of trouble in Browningia hertlingiana and what to do

• Wilting or declining while the mix stays wet: Root rot is possible, especially in cool wet conditions. Stop watering and empty any water beneath the pot. If decline continues, inspect the roots. Firm roots can be left intact; let the mix dry completely before watering again during active growth, and keep it dry during a cool rest. If the roots are soft and brown, first check whether enough firm healthy roots remain and whether the cactus body is still largely firm. If both conditions are met, cut the rotten roots back to firm healthy tissue with a clean, disinfected tool and discard them. Repot in fresh freely draining cactus mix in a clean container with drainage holes and wait at least one week before watering. After that, water only during active growth once the mix is fully dry. Extensive softening of the cactus body may be fatal.
• New cottony clusters around spine bases: Mealybugs are possible, although pale areoles and spine bases are normal cactus features. Inspect closely and separate the plant if you suspect an infestation. Remove insects you can reach and keep checking hidden joins and spine bases. If they persist, use a product labelled for mealybugs on this houseplant indoors. Test a small area first, follow the label's application and repeat interval, and continue inspecting until the infestation is controlled.
• Unusually thin or leaning new growth: Too little light can cause this. Increase exposure to strong sun gradually.

Browningia hertlingiana has sharp parts

• Keep this plant away from children and pets because its effects after chewing or swallowing are unclear.
• Sharp spines can puncture the mouth, eyes, skin or paws.
• Handle it carefully. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after a serious injury, especially to the eye.

Where does the name Browningia hertlingiana come from?

Browningia honours Webster E. Browning, a former director of the Instituto Inglés in Santiago, Chile. The species epithet hertlingiana honours Mr Hertling, a German merchant and companion of cactus specialist Curt Backeberg.

Nathaniel Lord Britton and Joseph Nelson Rose established the genus Browningia in 1920 in The Cactaceae, volume 2, page 63.

Curt Backeberg first described it as Clistanthocereus hertlingianus in 1937 in Cactaceae (Berlin), volume 1937, part 1, issue May, page 24. Franz Buxbaum later placed it in Browningia as Browningia hertlingiana in 1965 in Kakteen, volumes 31 and 32, genus C iv/I.