| Description: |
Stems globose or egg-shaped with spiraling tubercles that are flattened and topped with along, narrow areole. The effect is reminiscent of a sea-urchin, Flowers are a rose-purple. |
| Environment: |
Suitable for the home or a greenhouse |
| Growing Ease: |
Requires a little extra care |
| Lighting Needs: |
Does best in full sunlight coming from the South/West |
| Soil Type: |
Never use ordinary potting compost or garden soil, there are general purpose cactus mixes available. If you want to mix your own take:
3 parts coarse sand or perlite, 2 parts humus (leaf mold), 1 part garden soil and 1 part crushed rock.
Always use a pot with a hole.
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| Watering: |
Keep the soil barely moist and if you use rainwater, be careful as it could be acidic. Use warm water. |
| Fertilizer: |
Feed once a year during the spring with a water soluble fertilizer. |
| Plant Pests: |
Prone to mealy bugs, spider mites and scale. Always inspect any new plant for pests before introducing it to your home or greenhouse. |
| Propagation: |
Seeds
in the spring.
Plant seeds evenly about in their normal growing medium, pat it down and cover with a fine layer of sand. Saturate the soil and cover with a piece of cardboard, treat with a fungicide when leaves appear and move it to a sunny location.
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| Gardening Tips & Care: |
Requires reduced watering in the winter. Be careful not to over-water. Put a layer of small gravel at the bottom of the pot and also one inch on the top of the soil to prevent stem rot.
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