Mediolobivia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Bolivia, Argentina.

Description. Mediolobivia is a very variable species, mostly small, spherical cacti with stunning, colorful flowers that are quite large in comparison to the plant itself. The stems are spherical, with age they can stretch out and take a cylindrical shape, often forming lateral processes at the base, 2 - 4 cm in diameter. The ribs are vertical or arranged in a spiral. The spines are quite short and often fit tightly to the body of the cactus. Funnel-shaped flowers up to 4 cm in diameter appear in spring and summer at the top of the stems and can be red, white, pink, yellow or orange.  

Height. Most often it does not exceed 12 cm and grows slowly. 

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Mediolobivia does not like intense summer heat and will grow well at normal room temperature. During the winter months, this cactus requires a cool dormant period at a temperature of 8 - 10 ° C. The plant tolerates short frosts if it is in dry soil. 

Lighting

A brightly lit location with plenty of reflected sunlight. Direct sunlight is only allowed in the morning and evening hours. With enough light, flowering will be more abundant.

Care

This species is easy to grow on its own roots and can only suffer from very serious mistakes in care - the cactus can be recommended to novice gardeners. In the warm season, put the pot in the fresh air, providing protection from heavy rain and wind.

Substrate

Grow in soil with a high content of coarse sand, provide very good drainage, the soil should have a slightly acidic pH.

Feeding

Feed only once during the growing season with fertilizer for cacti and succulents (high potassium and low nitrogen), diluted to ½ the recommended dose.

Flowering time

Mediolobivia blooms very readily indoors in spring and summer.

Air humidity

It is necessary to ensure very good ventilation of the room where the cactus is kept. Almost all problems arise from insufficient ventilation, especially when the weather is cool or very humid. 

Soil moisture

Cacti are well adapted to very dry soils. Watering should be quite economical even during the growth period; in the winter months, the frequency of watering is reduced to a minimum.

Transplant

A relatively large and deep pot is needed to accommodate the large root system. This species needs to be replanted approximately every 2 - 3 years, before flowering. Use a pot with large drainage holes. 

Reproduction

Seeds can be sown in spring in pots with well-drained sandy soil and kept warm. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of sand. Cover the pots with glass or a plastic cover for 1 to 2 weeks after sowing to maintain a high level of humidity. Separation of lateral processes. The cutting site should be dried for several days to prevent the cuttings from rotting in the new soil. Vaccinations.

Pests and diseases

Cacti rot when overwatered, especially during the cool dormant period.

Mediolobivia can be subject to invasions of spider mites, false scale insects, scale insects, mealybugs, and nematodes.