Lobivia pentlandii f. cristata
Family
Cactacaea
Native
Mexico
Description
Echinopsis pentlandii f. cristata is a small, rather inconspicuous cactus is characterized by elongated tubercles that point upwards and have between 2 and 8 differently-angled central spines, brown in color, surrounded by 9 to 15 shorter, white, radial spines, but the green stems are still clearly visible. closing. Ribs are sarp edged, broken into long acute, hatchet-shaped, tubercles, separated by acute intervals.Stems are small, not exceeding 6 inches in height, are solitary for several years then start to cluster.
Flowers are funnel shaped, variously coloured (Pink to reddish-brown, orange or yellow with a usual clearer centre ), up to 6 cm long, 5 cm diameter. Blooms are produced in spring and remain open for about three days
Environment
The grafted Cactus are easy to grow and will form a large brain-like mounds with age. Watering during the active growing season (spring and summer); this will encourage steady growth, and prevent the large tubercles from becoming flabby.
Use very draining soil, water during the growth cycle. Echinopsis prefer a drying period between waterings, even to the point where they slightly wilt. Care should be taken to avoid wetting the bodies of these Cactus while they are in sunlight. A wet cactus in the sun light can cause sun burning which can lead to scars or even fungal infections and death. Need half sun.
Landscape Uses
This is a beautiful specimen cactus for a large cactus or succulent garden. It can make an interesting plant for a large container and is a nice centerpiece for a warm, sunny courtyard. The plant does have a few spines so care should be taken in its location.
