Coloradoa

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Colorado and New Mexico.

Description. Coloradoa is a very rare cactus with a spherical, gray-green stem. In its natural environment it grows in small groups or singly. Flowers appear at the top of the stem, greenish, pink, cream, yellow, with many petals, up to 3 cm in diameter, do not open completely. The ribs are arranged in a spiral, the spines are numerous and often almost completely hide the stem, light gray, white, yellowish. After flowering, round green fruits up to 1 cm in diameter are formed.

Height. Up to 12 cm.

Temperature conditions

In nature, cacti experience sharp temperature changes. In room conditions, they are kept at normal room temperature in spring and summer. In winter, the dormant period should take place at a temperature of 8 - 10 ° C.

Lighting

Provide as much lighting as possible.

Care

This plant is very rarely found in cultivation, as it is very demanding in terms of maintenance conditions. It is difficult to grow on its own roots.

Substrate

The soil should easily pass water and air, pH not higher than 6.5. A mixture of leaf humus, turf soil with a large amount of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. You can use a ready-made substrate for cacti and succulents.

Feeding

Feed monthly with fertilizers for cacti and succulents high in potassium, calcium and phosphorus. The fertilizer is diluted to half the recommended dose and applied in spring and summer. During the dormant period, cacti are not fed.

Purpose

Suitable for experienced cactus and succulent plant collectors only.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

Coloradoa needs a place with good air movement. Misting is not required, the air should be especially dry during the dormant period.

Soil moisture

Even during the growing season, watering should be moderate; dry the soil almost completely before each subsequent watering. Keep almost completely dry in winter.

Transfer

It may remain in the same soil for several years; replant if necessary in the spring.

Reproduction

Seeds germinate with great difficulty, out of a hundred seeds only 2-3 emerge. Young cacti often die with the slightest mistakes in care. Often propagated by grafting onto less demanding rootstocks.

Pests and diseases

Mature individuals easily rot and die, especially after planting.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.