Scientific Name
Blossfeldia liliputiana Werderm.
The spelling is often cited as Blossfeldia liliputana, but under the provisions of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature this is an orthographic error to be corrected to Blossfeldia liliputiana.
Synonyms
Blossfeldia atroviridis, Blossfeldia campaniflora, Blossfeldia cryptocarpa, Blossfeldia fechseri, Blossfeldia minima, Blossfeldia pedicellata, Parodia liliputana
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Notocacteae
Genus: Blossfeldia
Description
Blossfeldia liliputiana is the smallest cactus species in the world, with a mature size of around 0.5 inch (13 mm) in diameter. The stem is disk-shaped, grey-green in color, with tufts of wool and without ribs and spines. The flowers are white or pink, up to 0.6 inch (15 mm) long and up to 0.3 inch (8 mm) diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8b to 10b: from 15 °F (−9.4 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
The Blossfeldia is much easier to grow when grafted. Because of their slow growth rate, Blossfeldias are often grafted, which causes them to grow very fast and offset heavily but lose their characteristic disc-like shape, becoming quite globular and bloated. In this case the minimum temperatures acceptable should take in account the requirements for the rootstock.
Water during the growing period from March till October, the thin, fibrous roots suffer if there is humidity, therefore the plant should be watered only when the surrounding terrain is dry. But needs to be avoided wetting the bodies of these plants while they are in sunlight. A wet plant in the sun light can cause sun burning which can lead to scares or even fungal infections and death. Keep dry as soon as the temperature starts dropping in October and keep it perfectly dry in winter at temperatures from 40 to 60 °F (5 to 15 °C). Preferable not to water on overcast days, humid days or cold winter days… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Blossfeldia
Origin
Native to South America in northwestern Argentina (Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán and Catamarca Provinces) and southern Bolivia (Potosí Department).
Links
- Back to genus Blossfeldia
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Subscribe to Receive News and Updates from World of Succulents: