Care of the cacti Austrocylindropuntia shaferi or Opuntia shaferi |
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The genus Austrocylindropuntia, family Cactaceae, includes 11 species of cacti native to South America. Some species are: Austrocylindropuntia shaferi, Austrocylindropuntia vestita, Austrocylindropuntia cylindrica, Austrocylindropuntia subulata, Austrocylindropuntia salmiana. Scientific synonyms: Opuntia shaferi, Cylindropuntia shaferi. This species is native to Argentina and Bolivia. They are small cylindrical cacti of dark green color branched from the base that reach 30 cm (11.8") in height. They have small rudimentary leaves on the stems. The stems have irregular tubercles with areoles with glochids and 6-15 flexible spines and whitish hairs. The red flowers measure 3 cm (1.18"). They bloom in late spring. Opuntia shaferi is used in pots for patios and terraces, in rockeries and in cactus and succulent gardens. Austrocylindropuntia shaferi grows in full sun and semi-shade exposures. It resists light and occasional frosts. The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti with 15% coarse sand; drainage must be excellent. Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to be completely dry; it resists drought well. Do not water in winter. Fertilize in early spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti low in Nitrogen. Opuntia shaferi does not need pruning. Austrocylindropuntia shaferi is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess watering. Cylindropuntia shaferi propagates fairly easily from suckers in summer or spring. |
Images of the cacti Austrocylindropuntia shaferi or Opuntia shaferi |
 Austrocylindropuntia shaferi  Austrocylindropuntia shaferi |