Eriosyce taltalensis subs. paucicostata is a subspecies of cactus from the Eriosyce genus, originally from Chile, known for its robust appearance and ability to survive in arid conditions. This is a small to medium sized cactus that stands out for its attractive flowers and interesting features.
Description:
- Form : Eriosyce taltalensis subs. paucicostata is a globular or slightly cylindrical cactus. It has a compact body, which rarely exceeds 10 cm in diameter, but can reach up to 15 cm in height.
- Color : The body of the cactus has a gray-green or dark-green color, sometimes almost reddish-brown, depending on the exposure to the sun and the growing conditions.
- Ribs : The name "paucicostata" refers to the reduced number of ribs (paucicostata = "with few ribs"). These ribs are quite prominent, but widely spaced.
- Thorns : The thorns are robust, variable in color (from whitish to black), relatively long, sharp and rigid, giving the cactus a rough and defensive appearance. The spines are distributed around the areoles, which are placed on the ribs.
- Flowers : Produces beautiful pink, yellow or cream flowers that appear at the top of the plant. The flowers are medium-sized, around 3-4 cm in diameter, and usually appear in summer.
- Fruits : After flowering, Eriosyce taltalensis subs. paucicostata can produce small spherical fruits, red or pink, which contain seeds.
Care:
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Light : This subspecies prefers bright light, but not direct exposure to midday sun, which can cause burns. It is recommended to be kept in a place where it can receive intense indirect light or filtered sun. It can be grown outdoors in summer, if it is protected from too intense sun.
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Temperature : It adapts well to high temperatures, but in winter it prefers lower temperatures, around 5-10°C, to enter the rest period. It does not tolerate extremely low temperatures (below 0°C), especially if it is exposed to humidity.
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Watering : Watering should be done in moderation. During the growing season (spring and summer), the soil must be allowed to dry completely between waterings. In winter, the plant must be kept almost completely dry, to prevent rotting. Excessive watering is one of the most common causes of death in this cactus.
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Soil : It prefers a very well-drained soil, poor in organic matter. A potting mix for cacti, with the addition of coarse sand or fine gravel, is ideal to allow water to drain quickly and to prevent soil compaction.
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Fertilization : During the growth period, it can be fertilized once a month with a fertilizer low in nitrogen, especially for cacti. Avoid fertilizing in winter, when the plant is at rest.
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Repotting : This cactus does not require frequent repotting. Repotting can be done once every 2-3 years, or only if the roots have grown too much and the pot becomes too small. Use a pot with good drainage, and repotting should be done in the spring.
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Flowering : To stimulate flowering, it is important to provide a rest period during the winter, with lower temperatures and no watering. This rest period will help the plant to produce flowers in the following season.
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Air : This species of cactus prefers a well-ventilated space, because good air circulation helps prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases or mold.
Height with pots included approx. 10 cm
The plant is displayed for 1 pot - the plant is sold without flowers.