Care of the cactus Eriosyce paucicostata or Neoporteria paucicostata |
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The genus Eriosyce, family Cactaceae, includes 35 species of cactus native to Chile, Peru, and Argentina. Some species are: Eriosyce paucicostata, Eriosyce napina, Eriosyce esmeraldana, Eriosyce crispa, Eriosyce taltalensis, Eriosyce curvispina, Eriosyce senilis. Scientific synonyms: Neoporteria paucicostata, Neochilenia paucicostata and Horridocactus paucicostatus. This species is native to Antofagasta, Chile. They are bluish-green cacti with a globular body that becomes cylindrical and reach 20 cm (7.87") in height. They have 8-12 ribs with thick tubercles in whose areoles they have 5-8 black curved radial spines and 1-4 central spines of the same color. The flowers are orange or pink and contrast with the dark epidermis. Young specimens can bloom. They are used in pots and planters for terraces, balconies, patios, windows or well ventilated interiors. Eriosyce paucicostata needs direct sunlight exposure and dry weather. In winter the temperature should not be less than 2 ºC (35.6 ºF). The soil can be a mixture, in equal parts, of heather soil, siliceous coarse sand, blonde peat and black peat or a commercial cactus substrate with 20% coarse sand. They have high resistance to drought; water only when the substrate is dry. In winter do not water. They do not need fertilizers or pruning. If the ventilation is correct and the irrigation is moderate they do not usually present serious problems of pests and diseases. They propagate easily from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the cactus Eriosyce paucicostata or Neoporteria paucicostata |
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