Care of the cactus Rebutia heliosa or Aylostera heliosa |
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The genus Rebutia, family Cactaceae, includes 40 species of cactus native to Bolivia, Peru and Argentina. Some species are: Rebutia heliosa, Rebutia deminuta, Rebutia cv Sunrise (cultivar), Rebutia canigueralii, Rebutia muscula, Rebutia krainziana, Rebutia arenacea, Rebutia albiflora, Rebutia minuscula, Rebutia perplexa. Scientific synonyms: Aylostera heliosa. This species is native to Bolivia. They are very small cacti with a greyish green body and cylindrical shape that tend to produce suckers and reach 4 cm (1.57") in height. They have tiny 1 mm (0.04") high tubercles with brown areolas that only have central spines (24 to 26). They produce abundant very showy orange flowers. They bloom during the spring. They are used in pots and planters due to their small size. They are highly recommended for windows or as indoor plants. Rebutia heliosa grow in full sun exposure and in a warm climate. In winter it's important that they rest at more than 3 ºC (37.4 ºF). The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate with 20% coarse sand. The transplant is done very carefully in spring because the roots are delicate. Water moderately in spring and summer, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. In winter do not water. Fertilize with mineral cactus fertilizer once in spring and again in early summer. They do not need pruning. If there is no excess watering, they usually do not have significant pest and disease problems. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring or by rooting of suckers in spring. |
Images of the cactus Rebutia heliosa or Aylostera heliosa |
 Rebutia heliosa  Rebutia heliosa  Rebutia heliosa |