Maihuenia is a genus of two species quite distinct from other cacti. Therefore, it is classified as the sole genus in the subfamily Maihuenioideae.
Maihuenias grow as mats that hug the ground. They have segmented short-rounded stems that typically feature three spines per areole and small rounded leaves that do not fall off as they do in Opuntias. Flowers appear at the end of the stems. They are in shades of yellow, from near-white to orange. Club-shaped fruits are fleshy and contain bracts.
The natural habitat of Maihuenias is the region known as Patagonia in the southern parts of Argentina and Chile at elevations of 8,000 feet (2,450 m). In this harsh environment, these cacti commonly endure frost and are starting to become sought by cold-hardy cactus growers in North America.
Growing Condition and General Care
Maihuenias are easy-to-grow plants. They can survive outside in a sunny rockery but only if protected with a sheet of glass during the wintertime. They are also perfect for a large pot that can be stored inside an unheated greenhouse or on a balcony, somewhat protected from moisture during the winter. Still, growing them in the Alpine House or a raised bed inside an unheated greenhouse with lots of ventilation is probably safest. They should not be kept hot in summer as they are from high elevations.
Enriching the soil using a fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorous but poor in nitrogen during the growing season is good.
For a balanced development, it is best to place Maihuenias in a position where they are exposed to direct sunlight for at least a few hours.
Water these cacti only occasionally outdoors, but they should be watered abundantly if grown in a pot or the greenhouse during the summer.
With a high-temperature swing between the day and night hours and frequent rains, the spring weather can favor the development of fungus diseases, which should be treated with a systemic fungicide.
Repot Maihuenias every 2 to 3 years.
Links
- Back to genus Maihuenia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus