Sulcorebutia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Bolivia.

Description. Sulcorebutia are single cacti with spherical stems, slightly flattened at the top, or clusters of small plants with slightly elongated bodies with a diameter of 1 - 10 cm. Quite a variable species. The ribs are indistinct, numerous, arranged in a spiral. The spines are often short and varied in color. Flowers of very bright colors - yellow, red, pink, purple, burgundy, orange, white, up to 5 cm in diameter, appear at the top of the stele and often form an attractive wreath. Plants with two-tone buds are often found.

Height. 10 - 20 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, the usual room temperature is about 20 ° C. If possible, organize a difference between day and night temperatures. Wintering should take place at a temperature of about 10° C. It can withstand short frosts if it is in dry soil. Without a cool dormant period, flowering will not occur.

Lighting

In the morning and evening, the cactus can bathe in the sun's rays, but during the daytime it should be shaded from the too hot sun. Good lighting promotes abundant flowering.

Care

It does not require special care and is suitable for beginner cactus lovers. 

Substrate

The soil should easily pass water and air, pH not higher than 5.8. 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. Drainage materials must make up at least 40 percent of the total volume of the mixture. 

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

A beautiful and easy-to-bloom compact cactus. A large collection of plants can be placed on a regular windowsill. 

Flowering time

In indoor culture it blooms profusely and readily in spring. Repeat flowering is possible in autumn.

Air humidity

Sulcorebutia does not require spraying. Prefers places with a constant flow of fresh air, but without cold drafts.

Soil moisture

In spring and summer, water abundantly, but in such a way that the soil dries out to 1/3 of the depth before each subsequent watering. In the fall, watering is reduced and in the winter months it simply prevents the substrate from drying out completely. It is advisable to use bottom watering. 

Transfer

Adult specimens are replanted every 2-3 years; prefers slightly cramped conditions, but should be planted in a deep pot, as it has a large root system. After replanting, stop watering for 7-10 days. When planting, it is advisable to surround the root collar with a layer of coarse sand or fine gravel for better drainage.

Reproduction

Cactus seeds are sown in spring. The pots are placed in a warm place without direct sunlight. The plants will bloom for the first time in 2 - 3 years. Lateral shoots, which will be rooted in wet sand with peat, having first dried the cut site. Sulcorebutia are often grafted onto more unpretentious rootstocks.  

Pests and diseases

Like all cacti, they rot due to insufficient drainage and stagnant moisture. Own-rooted specimens are especially susceptible to rot. In conditions of insufficient lighting, the stem stretches out. With prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the day, plants can get burns.

Among the harmful insects, the most common are spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. 

Note

Be careful when working with the plant - sulcorebutia has sharp spines.