White & Gray Gradient Series | Xintiandi Cactus in a Hexagonal Cement Planter

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51289636646_0b17a2f081_o.jpg **Please Note: This item is available for pre-order.** We begin crafting your order once it's placed. Estimated shipping time is approximately 7 business days. Thank you for your understanding. Known as "Leopard Head," *Neobuxbaumia polylophus* (commonly referred to as 'Xintiandi' in Taiwan) is native to northern Argentina and southern Bolivia. It prefers warm, dry, and sunny conditions. It is drought-tolerant but sensitive to cold and shade. It flourishes in fertile, well-draining acidic soil. Winter temperatures should ideally not drop below 10°C. 'Xintiandi' boasts a large, stately form, with tubercles resembling a leopard's head and vibrant purplish-red new spines and pink flowers. Its stems, spines, and flowers are highly ornamental. It's well-suited for pot cultivation, serving as a charming green accent for balconies and windowsills. Cacti, in general, are among the easiest plants to care for. When selecting a pot, opt for one that isn't excessively large and offers good breathability. Pair it with a well-draining soil mix, place it in abundant sunlight, and water and fertilize judiciously. With sufficient size, these plants are guaranteed to flower profusely. **Growing Environment:** Prefers warm, dry, and sunny conditions. Drought-tolerant, but not cold-hardy or shade-tolerant. Thrives in fertile, well-draining acidic soil. Winter temperatures should be maintained above 10°C. **Propagation Methods:** Commonly propagated through sowing and grafting. Sowing is best done in April-May, with germination occurring in about 10-12 days, followed by rapid seedling growth. Grafting is performed in May-June, using *Hylocereus undatus* as the rootstock and a two-year-old small cactus as the scion, employing a flat grafting technique. Healing typically takes 10-15 days. Once the base diameter of 'Xintiandi' reaches 3-4 cm, it can be cut and re-rooted as a new plant. **Watering:** Water generously during the growing season, but avoid prolonged waterlogging of the soil. Misting the leaves can help maintain high air humidity. Provide slight shade during intense midday sun in midsummer. Keep the soil dry during winter. Avoid overwatering and excessive moisture, which can lead to root rot. Be careful not to water the stem or ball directly, as pooling water can cause rot. **Soil:** 'Xintiandi' is one of the largest among the *Cereus* genus, with stem diameters reaching up to 30 cm. The plant grows rapidly and requires repotting annually in spring. Use a mixture of leaf mold, coarse sand, and aged cow manure. **Light and Temperature:** Cacti and succulents are highly heliophilic plants. Regardless of the specific variety, they require placement in the sunniest possible location. Insufficient light will hinder growth, lead to etiolation (stretching), and prevent flowering. During the growing season, keep them in a well-lit environment. In hot summers, ensure good ventilation and provide some shade. In winter, place them indoors in a sunny spot, maintaining temperatures above 10°C, with a minimum not falling below 5°C. Key Care Points: Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, ensure ample sunlight, and it's drought-tolerant. 📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏 Hexagonal Pot Dimensions: Length 8.4 x Width 9.6 x Height 8.4 cm 📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏📏 Handcrafted cement with a unique white and gray gradient design, meticulously mixed by hand. This plant comes already potted for you. We take great care in packaging and shipping, including "fragile" stickers. Minor displacement of pebbles, soil, or the plant itself during transit due to the nature of shipping is normal. Please gently reposition your plant upon arrival. ⭕️ Optional hexagonal, round, square, or oval saucers are available for separate purchase to complement your pot, allowing for thorough watering without mess. (The default saucer color is white and gray gradient. Please contact us for custom color requests.) ⭕️ If your ordered item is in stock, it will be packaged and shipped promptly. If stock is insufficient, we will confirm the order with you before beginning production. Please keep an eye on your inbox for messages after placing your order. Thank you again! (If you wish to confirm the appearance of in-stock items, feel free to send a private message to request photos ✉️.) ⭕️ We can create custom colors tailored to your preferences 🎨. Please contact us beforehand to discuss feasibility and then add the custom color service at checkout. ⚠️ Customization requires approximately 3 days for mold setting, drying, demolding, and finishing. If you need the item urgently, please do not order a custom piece; opt for available in-stock items instead. ⚠️ Please Note: Due to the handmade nature of cement casting, slight air bubbles or imperfections are inherent and contribute to the unique character of each piece. Every pot will have its own distinct patterns, textures, and pores. As long as these do not affect the structural integrity, we consider them part of the design. If you are particularly concerned about variations in the appearance of cement items, please consider carefully or contact us for clarification before purchasing. Items are sold as-is and are non-returnable. Thank you! ⚠️ If sufficient stock is available, you may send a private message to request photos and select your preferred piece from our collection of cement creations.