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Description: Small, clumping,
often forming small mats with many stems, often barely rising above
ground level.
Stems: globose to short cylindrical, green, up to 2 cm tall, 1-2 cm in
diameter.
Ribs: 9-14 (Usually10-12), 2-3 mm in height, wavy, tuberculate.
Roots: Fleshy.
Central spines: 4-10, rust to black colored, stout, up to 2 mm long.
Radial spines: 15 to 25, glassy white, 1,5-3 mm long.
Flowers: Nocturnal, funnel-form, up to 8 cm tall, white with a long,
slender floral tube.
Cultivation:
This species is easy to cultivate,
because of the
elongated fat
taproot -
the plants need deep
pots
and a well
drained
mineral potting mix (at least 50% sand or
pumice grit.). They also
need a sufficient
amount of air. Full sun or
light shade and careful watering are required, to keep plant compact
and in order to keep spines strong and dense. They
are
susceptible to
overwatering, and require a dry winter rest.
It is better that they be repotted regularly. Repotting will increase
the number and size of stems, and will increase the number of flowers
produced. Repot yearly until the plant reaches about 5 cm in diameter, then every
two or three years will suffice. Repotting is best done at the end of
winter, but it can also be done at other times. Do not water for a couple of
weeks after repotting, to reduce the risk of root rot via broken roots. All, especially
the young, are susceptible to red spider mites.
Frost Tolerance: These plants tolerate light frost
(- 2 °C for a short period). They need to be kept
in a cool place (min. temperature around 5° C) during
winter rest.
This is important for the flowers as
well as for their health. Without this cool winter period they normally
won't get many
buds.
Propagation:
Usually propagated by
cuttings,
seeds
and
grafting
. Grafted plants in cultivation sprout
strongly.
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Cultivation
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