Neolloydia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Southern USA and Northern Mexico.

Description. Neolloydia is a small genus of spherical or low cylindrical cacti. The green, gray-green stems of these cacti do not have clearly defined ribs, but are covered with tall, conical tubercles, their height is 5-20 cm, and their diameter is 3-6 cm. Sometimes, with age, lateral branches appear at the base. The spines are long and strong, often completely hiding the stem. The flowers are funnel-shaped, up to 6 cm in diameter, pink, lilac or yellow, appear near the top of the stem in spring.

Height. Up to 25 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In summer, an ordinary indoor one is suitable for keeping; in winter, do not expose cacti to temperatures below 10 - 12 ° C. 

Lighting

Indoors, provide the sunniest spot in the house; neolloydia should receive 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Light shading is acceptable on hot summer days.

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

From spring to autumn, feed with fertilizers for cacti and succulents, diluted to half the recommended dose. During the winter dormant period, feeding is stopped.

Flowering time

Spring, sometimes re-blooming throughout the year.

Air humidity

Does not require spraying. Loves ventilated rooms with sufficient air movement, but without cold drafts. In autumn and winter the air should be dry. 

Soil moisture

Water carefully—allow the soil to dry almost completely before each subsequent watering. In winter, watering is reduced enough so that the earthen ball does not dry out. Water should not stand in the pan after watering - always drain excess moisture.

Transplant

Adult specimens are replanted every two years, in spring, using pots with large drainage holes. When replanting, the root collar can be covered with expanded clay or small gravel so that water drains quickly after watering.

Reproduction

Propagated by seeds and lateral shoots. The cut area is dried for several days before planting. Neolloydias are often grafted onto hardier rootstocks. 

Pests and diseases

If neolloydia is not given a period of rest in winter, it will continue to grow, and in poor lighting conditions its stem will stretch. The plant can rot if there is insufficient drainage and excess moisture.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.