Aylostera pygmaea is a highly variable species with many published names that represent local forms.
Scientific Name
Aylostera pygmaea (R.E.Fr.) Mosti & Papini
Synonym(s)
Echinopsis pygmaea, Lobivia pygmaea, Mediolobivia pygmaea, Rebutia pygmaea
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Aylostera
Etymology
The specific epithet "pygmaea (pig-MAY-uh)" means "of or pertaining to a pygmy or dwarf; short; of reduced stature" and refers to the small size of the stems.
Origin
Aylostera pygmaea is native to southern Bolivia (Oruro, Potosí, Chuquisaca, Tarija) and northwestern Argentina (Jujuy, Salta). It grows in high-altitude grasslands with rocky outcrops between 10,500 and 11,500 feet (3,200 and 3,500 m) in the Puna ecoregion.
Description
Aylostera pygmaea, formerly known as Rebutia pygmaea, is a small cactus that forms a dense clump of spherical to short cylindrical stems with 9 to 15 ribs lined with low tubercles. The stems can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall and 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter. They often barely rise above the ground level in their natural habitat. The stem color can vary from gray-green to dark green. The areoles are oval, with short whitish or brownish felt, and each bears 8 to 11 short, bristly radial spines. The central spines are usually absent. The spines are brown to glassy white with a darker base and arranged in pectinate (comb-like) clusters.
In the late spring, Aylostera pygmaea produces funnel-shaped flowers about halfway up the stems. The flowers are typically salmon pink, paler towards the center, but can also be red, pink, orange, or even white. They can measure up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are spherical, greenish, about 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter, and contain tiny black seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Aylostera pygmaea
Light: While it grows well in direct sunlight, Aylostera pygmaea prefers partial shade during midday in the summer. A sunny window would be ideal if you are growing the cactus indoors.
Soil: Having soil with good drainage is most important for a healthy plant. You can use a commercial soil mix from cacti or make your own.
Temperature: As a mountain plant, this cactus does not appreciate high temperatures and grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 °F (-3.9 to 10 °C).
Watering: During the growing season, water Aylostera pygmaea frequently, but allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. However, when it goes dormant in the winter, stop the watering.
Fertilizing: Although unnecessary, using a low-balanced soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength can help your cactus thrive. However, suspend the feeding in winter.
Repotting: It is recommended to repot the young plant each year in early spring. On the other hand, a mature plant only needs to be repotted when it outgrows its pot. Late winter or early spring is the best time for repotting.
Propagation: You can propagate Aylostera pygmaea by offsets or seeds. Remove the offsets when the plant is actively growing and sow the seeds in the spring.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Rebutia.
Toxicity of Aylostera pygmaea
Aylostera pygmaea has no toxic effects reported.
Links
- Back to genus Aylostera
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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