Consulta Plantas

Care of the cactus Maihueniopsis subterranea or Puna subterranea

The genus Maihueniopsis, family Cactaceae, comprises 13 species of small cactus native to Argentina, Chile and Bolivia. Some species are: Maihueniopsis subterranea, Maihueniopsis glomerata, Maihueniopsis nigrispina, Maihueniopsis ovata.

Scientific synonyms: Puna subterranea, Opuntia subterranea, Tephrocactus subterraneus.

They are tiny cacti that form tight pillow-shaped groups that reach 5 cm (1.96") in height. The segments are 2 cm (0.78") wide and covered in tubercles with woolly areoles that have 2-4 white spines. The large flowers are 4 cm (1.57") in diameter and are fuchsia pink or red.

Due to their small dimensions they are used in pots that are wider than deep; they are also interesting for small rockeries in frost-free regions.

Maihueniopsis subterranea prefers full sun exposure and low humidity. They resist cold up to 1 ºC (33.8 ºF).

The soil can be a mixture of clay garden substrate with 40% coarse gravel.

Water moderately throughout the year (in winter do not water) waiting for the substrate to have completely dried.

Fertilize in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti.

They do not require pruning.

The biggest enemy of these plants is excess humidity.

They propagate by seeds or cuttings in a simple way but growth is slow.

Images of the cactus Maihueniopsis subterranea or Puna subterranea