Cintia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. South America.

Description. Cynthia is a miniature cactus with a light green stem, densely covered with round, high tubercles. Young plants are solitary, but with age they often form lateral shoots at the base of the stem. Despite its miniature size, cynthia has a large, branched root system that helps store moisture and nutrients. Spines are found mainly on young specimens - with age they fall off. Flowers are yellow, funnel-shaped, about 3 cm in diameter, appear at the top of the stems and open during the day.

Height. Does not exceed 7 cm.

Care at home

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 about 10 ° C. If possible, provide cintia with a difference in daily temperatures. 

Lighting

In autumn and winter, place the pot in the most illuminated place; in spring and summer, light shading during the day is acceptable. With prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, the stem acquires a burgundy hue.

Care

It 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. During the dormant period, fertilizing is excluded.

Purpose

A rare and very attractive plant.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

Does not require spraying and grows well in a dry atmosphere. Provide the plant with good air movement without cold drafts; cacti need a dry atmosphere in autumn and winter.

Soil moisture

Water your cintia 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, choose a deep and narrow pot with large drainage holes. Adult specimens need spring replanting every 3 years. The root collar can be surrounded by coarse sand or fine gravel for better 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. The seedlings are sprayed, but not watered. Grafting onto more unpretentious rootstocks. Root shoots.

Pests and diseases

Cintia is often susceptible to rot with the slightest over-watering.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.