Care of the cactus Rebutia perplexa or Aylostera perplexa |
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The genus Rebutia, family Cactaceae, includes 40 species of cactus native to Bolivia, Peru and Argentina. Some species are: Rebutia perplexa, Rebutia muscula, Rebutia minuscula, Rebutia krainziana, Rebutia heliosa, Rebutia deminuta, Rebutia cv Sunrise (cultivar), Rebutia canigueralii, Rebutia albiflora, Rebutia arenacea. Scientific synonyms: Aylostera perplexa. This species is native to Bolivia. They are small light green tussock cacti and 3 cm (1.18") tall globose stems that form compact groups. They have 16-18 spiral ribs with tiny tubercles and areoles with 10-16 very short radial spines. Pink flowers appear in large numbers. They bloom in spring. The flowers open when they receive direct sunlight and close when they stop receiving it. They are used in pots and planters for balconies, windows or patios due to their small size. Rebutia perplexa needs a south-east facing exposure receiving direct sun throughout the morning. The winter safety temperature is 3 ºC (37.4 ºF). The soil can be a mixture, in equal parts, of coarse siliceous sand, heather soil, black peat and blond peat or a commercial substrate for cacti. They are only transplanted if the pot is too small. In spring and summer, water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry. In autumn reduce irrigation and do not water in winter. Fertilize once with mineral cactus fertilizer in early spring. They do not need pruning. The biggest danger for these plants is excess moisture. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring but it's a slow process; it's easier to do it by separating suckers. |
Images of the cactus Rebutia perplexa or Aylostera perplexa |
 Rebutia perplexa  Rebutia perplexa  rebutia_perplexa_3 |