Care of the cactus Echinopsis schieliana or Lobivia schieliana |
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The genus Echinopsis, family Cactaceae, comprises 150 species of cactus native to South America. Some species are: Echinopsis schieliana, Echinopsis peruviana, Echinopsis oxygona, Echinopsis huascha, Echinopsis chiloensis, Echinopsis chamaecereus, Echinopsis candicans, Echinopsis bruchii, Echinopsis aurea, Echinopsis atacamensis, Echinopsis ancistrophora, Echinopsis subdenudata, Echinopsis pachanoi, Echinopsis mamillosa, Echinopsis tarijensis, Echinopsis spachiana, Echinopsis schickendantzii, Echinopsis rhodotricha. This species is native to Bolivia. They are cacti of cespitose bearing with stems of intense green color and globose shape that reach 4.5 cm (1.77") in length and form tight colonies. Small round, woolly areoles with 14 fine white radial spines and one or no central spines appear on the 14 tubercle ribs. The interesting red flowers rise 4.5 cm (1.77") above the plant. Young specimens can bloom. They are used in pots and planters for terraces, windows, balconies and greenhouses. The Echinopsis schieliana needs a semi-shade exposure avoiding the sun's rays in the central hours of the day. It's important that in winter it is not exposed to less than 2 ºC (35.6 ºF). They need a rest at 8-10 ºC (46-50 ºF); winter rest is essential for flowering. The soil can be a mixture of heather soil, leaf mulch, and coarse siliceous sand. In summer water by immersion when the substrate has dried. In spring and autumn water when the substrate is dry. Do not water in winter. Fertilize in early spring with mineral cactus fertilizer. They do not need pruning. If there is excess watering they can be attacked by fungi; if they suffer too much drought from mealybugs or mites. They propagate by seeds sown in spring or by rooting of suckers after flowering. |
Images of the cactus Echinopsis schieliana or Lobivia schieliana |
 Echinopsis schieliana  Echinopsis schieliana |