Lophophora

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. An unusual, miniature, spherical or flattened cactus with a grayish-green, green or bluish stem up to 12 cm in diameter. The ribs are straight, unclear or arranged in a spiral. Often has no spines, but occasionally has densely pubescent areoles. Buds appear at the top of the plant, but only on adult specimens aged 30 years and older, white, yellow or pale pink, up to 3 cm in diameter. Lophophora has a very large taproot system, which can exceed the height of the cactus by 3-6 times. After flowering, pink, red or white round fruits appear. The fruits of some species are edible and tasty. There are cristate forms of lophophora.

Height. Up to 15 cm, grows very slowly.

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the spring and summer, these cacti will enjoy hot weather. In winter, plants go into a dormant state and should be provided with a cool room with a temperature of 5 - 10 ° C. If possible, provide with a daily temperature difference.

Lighting

In autumn and winter, provide the most illuminated place; in spring and summer, light shading during the daytime is acceptable.

Care

Tolerates summer heat and prolonged droughts well. 

Substrate

Mineral mixture for cacti with a high content of coarse river sand. The soil must have a neutral pH. Tolerates very nutrient-poor soils with good drainage.

Feeding

During the period of active growth, feed monthly with fertilizers for cacti and succulents at half strength. 

Purpose

A rare and very attractive plant, its miniature size allows you to place an entire collection on one windowsill.

Flowering time

Summer. Lophophora grows very slowly and blooms for the first time at the age of 30 or more years.  

Air humidity

Does not require misting and grows well in a dry atmosphere. Provide the cactus with good air circulation without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

Water the lophophora only when the soil is almost dry. In autumn, reduce the frequency of watering to a minimum and in winter simply protect the soil from drying out completely.

Transfer

For planting, select a fairly deep and narrow pot with large drainage holes. Adult plants need spring replanting every 3 years. The root collar can be surrounded with coarse sand or fine gravel for better moisture drainage. 

Reproduction

The seeds are sown in the spring, covered with a transparent plastic cap or glass to maintain humidity and placed in a warm place without direct sunlight. Germination occurs within 1 - 3 weeks. Young seedlings are sprayed, but not watered. Grafting onto more unpretentious rootstocks. Root shoots.

Pests and diseases

Lophophora often undergo rot at the slightest waterlogging.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.