Care of the cactus Rebutia arenacea or Sulcorebutia arenacea |
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The genus Rebutia, family Cactaceae, comprises some 40 species of cactus native to Bolivia, Peru and Argentina. Some species and cultivars are: Rebutia arenacea, Rebutia krainziana, Rebutia canigueralii, Rebutia muscula, Rebutia minuscula, Rebutia albiflora, Rebutia deminuta, Rebutia perplexa, Rebutia heliosa, Rebutia cv Sunrise. Scientific synonyms: Sulcorebutia arenacea, Weingartia arenacea, Rebutia candiae. This species is native to central Bolivia. They are small cacti with a globose body and brown-green color that reach 5 cm (1.96") in height; they usually produce suckers at the base. The tubers are spirally arranged and on the whitish areolas they have 6-7 pairs of short spines (0.5 cm/0.19"). The attractive yellow flowers are 3 cm (1.18") in diameter. They bloom in spring. They are used in pots that are wider than they are tall on windows, balconies, patios, decks, and as greenhouse plants. Rebutia arenacea grows in full sun and light shade exposures. They do not resist temperatures below 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate or a mixture of 50% leaf mulch and 50% coarse siliceous sand. The transplant is done in early spring. Always water moderately at the rate of once a week in summer, every 15 days in spring, every 20-25 days in autumn and do not water in winter. Fertilize once with mineral cactus fertilizer in early spring. They do not need pruning. They are plants quite resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity and frost. They are easily propagated by separation of suckers. |
Images of the cactus Rebutia arenacea or Sulcorebutia arenacea |
 Rebutia arenacea  Rebutia arenacea  Rebutia arenacea |