Sharxx Blue x Ferah (Rooted Plants)

"Sharxx Blue"

"Sharxx Blue" is a highly sought-after cultivar (cultivated variety) of Trichocereus Peruvianus, often referred to as Peruvian Torch cactus. It's renowned for its striking appearance and is a favorite among cactus collectors.

Here's a breakdown of what's known about Sharxx Blue:

Origin and Naming:

• Australian Clone: Sharxx Blue originated from the Dawson's Cactus Collection in Australia.

• Distributed and Named by PD: It was distributed and named by a member of the Shaman Australis Botanicals (SAB) forum, known as "PD," who named it after another SAB member, "Sharxx."

Key Characteristics:

Extremely Blue and Glaucous: This is its most defining feature. It consistently displays a beautiful, frosted blue color due to a waxy coating called glaucescence.

Fat Growing: It tends to grow quite plump.

Short Spined: Compared to many other Trichocereus peruvianus varieties, Sharxx Blue has relatively short spines. Typically, it has about 6-8 honey-colored to brown spines that can reach around 4cm in length.

Columnar Growth: Like other Trichocereus peruvianus, it's a columnar cactus, meaning it grows upright in a column shape. It can reach impressive heights, up to 4 meters tall and 20 cm in diameter.

Ribs: It typically has six to nine ribs.

Areoles: The areoles (where spines emerge) are brown to beige and spaced up to 2.5 cm apart.

V-Notch: While some Trichocereus Peruvianus show a distinct V-notch above the areoles, this isn't always a reliable identification trait for Sharxx Blue.

Likely from Matucana: It's believed to be a Peruvianus from Matucana, Peru, due to its resemblance to other known varieties from that region, such as Icaro DNA, Los Gentiles, and Rosei's.

Cultivation and Care:

Easy to Root: Cuttings are generally easy to root. They need to be callused (dried) for several days before planting.

Well-Draining Soil: Like most cacti, Sharxx Blue thrives in free-draining soils. A good mix would be half high-quality potting mix and half perlite to ensure airflow and drainage.

Full Sun: It prefers full sun exposure.

Watering: Water from spring to early autumn. Less is better with cacti, as overwatering can lead to root rot. During winter months, little to no watering is required.

Frost Hardiness: It's relatively frost-hardy for a cactus.

Grafting: Sharxx Blue is often seen grafted onto San Pedro (Trichocereus pachanoi) rootstock, which can help accelerate its growth.

Popularity and Hybrids:

Collector's Favorite: Sharxx Blue is a very popular clone and is considered a "must-have" for many Trichocereus collectors.

Breeding Stock: It's also a popular choice for Trichocereus breeders due to its desirable characteristics.

Hybridization: It's frequently used in crosses with other Trichocereus species, leading to new and unique hybrids. Examples include crosses with TPM (Trichocereus peruvianus monstrose) and Trichocereus bridgesii 'Ben' or 'Psycho0'. These hybrids often display unique notching or other features inherited from their parent plants.

In summary, Sharxx Blue is a highly prized and visually stunning Trichocereus Peruvianus cultivar known for its intense blue color, fat growth, and relatively short spines. Its ease of cultivation and desirable genetics make it a staple in many cactus collections and a valuable plant for hybridizing efforts.

Ferah--

Ferah is a pure Scopulicola clone sourced from the two Australian cactus collectors Ferah & Gulen, from which the clone gets its name. The clone has been spread through the US primarily by The Cactus Jones, and is highly sought after by collectors looking to make hybrids. A very sought after clone of Scopulicola that is rare.  I am still trying to root my "4 winds" cutting I purchased from Cactus Jones.

Highly Sought After: "Ferah" is a popular and frequently requested clone, indicating its desirability among cactus enthusiasts.

Australian Origin: It's noted that "Ferah" scopulicola comes straight from Australia.

Propagation: The clone is propagated through cuttings. Growers ensure cuttings are well-callused before shipping to prevent fungal rot.

Kingstock Designation: Sometimes, "Ferah" is designated as "Kingstock", signifying its premium quality and high regard in the cactus community. 

In essence, "cv. Ferah Scopulicola" is a prized, near-spineless cultivar of Trichocereus Scopulicola, recognized for its aesthetic appeal and originating from Australia.

Trichocereus Scopulicola 'Ferah'

"Cactus CV Ferah" in cactus enthusiast communities, especially in contexts discussing San Pedro cacti and related species.

Characteristics:

Appearance: Often described as having no or very few spines, making it smooth to the touch. It's praised for its "chubby" or "cherubic" curves and "dimpled flesh," making it aesthetically pleasing. It typically grows in a columnar fashion, forming single columns or sometimes pupping from the base. Most Trichocereus Scopulicola have between 4 to 6 ribs.

Growth: Relatively fast-growing and can form large clumps over time.

Origin: Trichocereus Scopulicola is native to Bolivia, specifically around the Tarija Department, though it's thought to be rare or even extinct in nature. The 'Ferah' cultivar is a selected form.

Hardiness: Can be surprisingly hardy, with some clones tolerating temperatures from -4° to -12° C (25° to 10° F).

Cultivation and Care:

Light: Prefers bright light. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent sunburn. For indoor growing in places like the UK, a greenhouse, conservatory, or grow tent with a south-facing aspect is ideal.

Watering: Like most cacti, they prefer intermittent but generous watering. Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, especially in spring and summer (growing season). Reduce watering significantly or stop entirely in winter to prevent root rot, as they don't like to be wet for long periods in cold conditions.

Soil: Requires a very well-draining mineral mix. A common recommendation is at least 50% sand or pumice grit. For colder climates, a higher inorganic content (60-70%) is often advised to ensure quick drainage.

Repotting: Repot regularly, yearly for smaller plants (up to 100mm) and every 2-3 years for larger ones. Repotting helps increase stem size and flower production. Best done at the end of winter, and avoid watering for a couple of weeks after repotting to allow any broken roots to heal.

Fertilizing: Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced cactus or succulent fertilizer. Some growers fertilize every 2-3 weeks during peak growth.

Propagation: Can be propagated by seeds or cuttings (pups). Cuttings should be allowed to callous thoroughly before planting in well-draining cactus soil.