Wigginsia
Family. Cactaceae.
Origin. South America.
Description. Currently belongs to the genus Parody. Wigginsia is a very variable species, usually a spherical or cylindrical cactus up to 15 cm in diameter and about 20 cm in height. The trunk is glossy, dark green, green or grayish-green, pubescent in the upper part, with 15 - 20 wide spiral ribs. Areoles pubescent, 15 - 20 mm. diameter The spines are yellow, strong, up to 2 cm long, curved downwards. The flowers are cream, lemon or yellow with shiny petals, appear in the upper part of the stem, arranged in a circle, up to 5 cm in diameter. The flower tube is pubescent.
Height. 20 cm.
Care at home
Temperature conditions
Tolerates short frosts down to -5°C if kept dry. In summer, the optimal temperature is 23 - 30 ° C, in the winter dormant period - 8 - 12 ° C.
Lighting
Representatives of the species are kept in a brightly lit place without direct sunlight, which can cause stem burns. Sufficient lighting stimulates abundant flowering.
Care
This is a relatively fast growing, attractive small cactus that blooms easily in cultivation.
Substrate
Wigginsias prefer very porous, neutral to slightly acidic soil with plenty of perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage. They tolerate soils with low nutrient content very well.
Feeding
It is enough to feed once during the growing season with fertilizer for cacti and succulents (low nitrogen content) in half the concentration.
Purpose
Blooming small compact cactus.
Flowering time
July.
Air humidity
There are no special requirements; in warm weather you can spray occasionally.
Soil moisture
Water regularly in summer and keep almost dry in winter. For irrigation, it is advisable to use soft water at room temperature.
Transfer
Repot as needed - in spring. Adult specimens develop slowly and need to be repotted every 2 - 3 years. Use a pot with large drainage holes.
Reproduction
Seeds that germinate in 7 - 14 days at a temperature of 21 - 27 ° C in spring. Cover the crops with a plastic cap or glass and gradually increase the ventilation time by lifting the cap.
Pests and diseases
Wigginsia is susceptible to root rot if the substrate remains wet and cold during winter and may lose its roots completely.
Of the harmful insects, the main dangers are spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs.