Epithelantha

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin: South America.

Description. Epithelanthas are miniature cacti. Young plants have a spherical stem with a flattened top; in adult cacti, the stem sometimes stretches out and takes on a cylindrical shape. Sometimes side shoots appear at the base. The stems are light green and covered with numerous shallow ribs arranged in a spiral. The spines are light, short and cover the stem so abundantly that they often completely hide the plant. Small, funnel-shaped, very delicate flowers appear at the top of the stem. The shades of the buds include white, pink, cream and red. After flowering, the plants form small, red or pink, round fruits.

Height: Often does not exceed 10 cm, grows very slowly.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

In summer, during the period of active growth, the epithelantha will endure the strongest summer heat. In the winter months, it is worth giving the plant a cool rest period at a temperature of about 12° C. 

Lighting

This cactus will only need light shading in spring and summer, during hot daytime hours. The rest of the time, direct sunlight can fall directly on the stem.

Substrate

Standard cactus mix with high sand and perlite content, well-drained, slightly alkaline pH. Tolerates nutrient-poor soils. The mix should contain at least 40 percent drainage material. 

Feeding

Feed monthly from spring to autumn with fertilizer for cacti and succulents, diluting the solution to half the dose recommended on the package.

Purpose

Epithelantha is very spectacular. The heavily prickly, small stems of the cactus resemble snowballs from a distance. 

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

There is no need for spraying. In autumn and winter the air around the cactus should be dry. 

Soil moisture

Water sparingly even during the growing season - the soil should dry out to 1/3 of its depth between waterings. In no case should moisture stand in the tray after watering. In winter, the frequency of watering is reduced to a minimum, simply protecting the soil from drying out completely. 

Transplantation

Transplantation can be done only every 3-4 years. The root collar should be surrounded by a layer of coarse sand or fine gravel. After planting in fresh soil, stop watering for 7-10 days. For planting, choose shallow pots with large drainage holes. 

Reproduction

Seeds can be sown in spring or summer in well-drained soil. Seedlings are covered with glass or transparent plastic and placed in a warm place. Cuttings of separated block shoots. The cut site is dried for several days. Grafting. 

Pests and diseases

Own-rooted plants are susceptible to rot at the slightest over-watering.

Red spider mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

Epithelantha has edible fruits.