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, unlike those 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, located in the southern parts of Argentina and Chile, at elevations of approximately 8,000 feet (2,450 m). In this harsh environment, these cacti commonly endure frost and are increasingly sought after by cold-hardy cactus growers in North America.
Growing Conditions 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 plenty of ventilation is probably the safest option. They should not be kept hot in summer, as they are from high elevations.
Enriching the soil with a fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus, but low in nitrogen, during the growing season is beneficial.
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 day and night hours and frequent rains, spring weather can favor the development of fungal 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