Islaya

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Peru.

Description. Islayas are small, slow-growing species with spherical stems on which 17-25 ribs are clearly visible. With age, the stems can stretch out and acquire a cylindrical shape. Shoots are green, dark green, sometimes glaucous, up to 40 cm high. Areoles are densely covered with grayish-white pubescence. Spines are usually dark - almost black, becoming lighter with age. Flowers are up to 4 cm in diameter, bloom during the day, golden, light yellow or greenish-yellow, funnel-shaped, with long pubescent flower tubes and numerous pointed petals. After flowering, spherical or oblong fruits are formed.

Height. 15 - 40 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

A heat-loving cactus that tolerates summer heat well. Withstands short-term frosts down to -5 ° C if stored in dry soil. During the winter dormant period, place this cactus in a cool room with a temperature of 8 - 12 ° C. 

Lighting

Loves brightly lit places with access to direct sunlight during the day and morning.

Substrate

Mineral mixture for cacti and succulents in combination with perlite and coarse river sand - up to 30 - 40 percent of the volume. Tolerates nutrient-poor soils. You can surround the root collar with a layer of coarse sand or fine gravel to drain water. 

Feeding

Feed islaya with fertilizers for cacti and succulents with a high content of potassium and low nitrogen, in half the concentration, monthly. 

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

There is no need for spraying; moreover, in the cold season the air around the plant should be dry. The plant needs good air movement to avoid rotting, but avoid cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Water regularly in spring and summer, when the air temperature exceeds 22° C. In winter, try to keep it so dry as to prevent the earthen clod from drying out. 

Transplant

In the spring, once every 2-3 years. Cacti can be kept in the same soil for several years without any problems. After transplanting, water very carefully. 

Reproduction

They are often propagated by grafting onto less demanding rootstocks. Seeds can be sown in spring or summer in damp sand. The seedlings are placed in a very warm place and covered with a clear plastic cap or glass for 1 - 2 weeks. Watering during the subsequent period is replaced by spraying. Germination takes about 1 month.

Pests and diseases

Islaya is prone to rot when overwatered and insufficiently ventilated.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.