Care of the cactus Eriosyce esmeraldana or Esmeraldano |
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The genus Eriosyce, family Cactaceae, includes 35 species of cactus native to Chile, Peru, and Argentina. Some species are: Eriosyce esmeraldana, Eriosyce crispa, Eriosyce taltalensis, Eriosyce napina, Eriosyce curvispina, Eriosyce paucicostata, Eriosyce senilis. Common name: Esmeraldano. Scientific synonyms: Neochilenia esmeraldana, Chileorebutia esmeraldana. This species is native to Esmeralda, Chile. They are small blackish or greenish-gray cacti that branch from the base and have part of the underground stem. They have 20 ribs in whose tubercles there are white areoles with 5-8 fine curved black or yellowish central spines and 0-3 central spines. The attractive, scented pink flowers almost hide the body of the plant. Young specimens are capable of blooming. Esmeraldano is used in pots and planters; it can be grown indoors well ventilated and bright. Eriosyce esmeraldana can grow in full sun and semi-shade exposures (especially young specimens). In winter the temperature must be above 4 ºC (39.2 ºF). The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate with 20% coarse siliceous sand; or else a mixture, in the same proportions, of blond peat, black peat, coarse sand and heather earth. Neochilenia esmeraldana needs less watering than usual; water when the substrate is dry. Do not water in winter. Spray the cactus with lime-free water every 2 weeks in summer. Esmeraldano does not need fertilizers or pruning. Eriosyce esmeraldana can be attacked by fungi if there is excess watering. Chileorebutia esmeraldana propagates by seeds sown in spring or by stem cuttings if the plant produces suckers. |
Images of the cactus Eriosyce esmeraldana or Esmeraldano |
 Eriosyce esmeraldana  Eriosyce esmeraldana |