Spiky Balls Of Rebutia

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

The world of cacti, armed with sharp thorns to protect their nutritious pantries, is numerous and varied. It is curious to observe the rounded stems-balls, covered with tubercles, with short but sharp thorns sticking out on them, of plants of the genus Rebutia. In addition to thorns, they decorate the world with pretty flowers that hold on to balls for a long time and have won the hearts of exotic lovers

Genus Rebucius

According to various sources, from two to four dozen species of cacti have united into the genus Rebutia in order to defend their rights to exist in this world with sharp thorns.

Their rounded, slightly flattened stems are covered with low tubercles, similar to the "goose bumps" of a freezing person. Unlike human skin, the tubercles of low cacti are armed with a sharp brush of thorns that hurt uninvited guests.

Despite the warlike appearance, the plants of the genus are very popular among flower growers. Abundant and long flowering, delightful unpretentiousness and small size of the plant will easily fit into any interior of our different-sized apartments. And tubular flowers, painted in white, yellow, orange, red shades, with decorative yellow anthers on short and juicy stems, will enliven any room.

At one time, "word of mouth" strongly recommended multi-born offices to acquire cacti, which supposedly protect people from radioactive radiation from computers. Perhaps it was a publicity stunt for cacti sellers, since later information appeared that computers did not emit any radiation. On which side of the truth it is more difficult for an ordinary citizen to find out, and therefore cacti continue to be in demand and loved.

An interesting feature of Rebutia is the flowering nature. Flowers do not appear on the top of the plant, as is the case with most ornamental plants, but on the sides or at the base of the stem. Numerous flowers are replaced by berry fruits.

Varieties

* Snow rebutia (Rebutia nivea) - White thorns of thorns transform the plant into snowmen, blooming with bright orange-red flowers in spring.

* Rebution of Marsonera (Rebutia marsoneri) - the diameter of the ball is twice the five centimeter height of the plant. Golden yellow flowers with yellow anthers bloom in spring among brown or white spines.

* Rebutia golden prickly (Rebutia chrysacantha) is simply a "giant" among relatives, growing up to 10 cm in width and height. Its white bristly spines adorn themselves with the spring bloom of intense pink or red flowers with yellow anthers, creating a spectacular, cheerful composition.

* Rebutia golden-flowered (Rebutia aureiflora) - when spring fully comes into its own, the yellowish-white spines of the Rebutia are covered with golden-yellow numerous flowers.

* White-flowered rebutia (Rebutia albiflora) - noble white spines and whitish-pink or white flowers, which appear in the world in summer, distinguish this species from its brighter relatives.

Growing

All cacti love the sun, and therefore the most illuminated windowsills are chosen for them. Air temperature below plus 15 degrees is fatal for them.

Ready-made soil for growing cacti today can be purchased in garden stores, or prepared by yourself, taking garden soil, sand and peat, in a ratio (5: 3: 2), and adding clay shards or small brick fragments to the mixture. In addition, cover the bottom of the container with drainage materials.

Watering is very rare, especially in winter.

Reproduction

Can be propagated by sowing seeds, separating babies or root suckers.

Enemies

Many pests love to feast on juicy stems, which even sharp thorns cannot always stop. Therefore, you can see ticks, worms, nematodes and snails on cacti. Rebution is affected by bacteria, viruses and fungi if the soil is moist, without an effective drainage system.