Blossfeldia is a genus of the smallest cacti. Although several species have been described, most botanists agree that all ones described until now should be included in Blossfeldia liliputana.
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. On the other hand, they are much easier to grow when grafted. In this case, the acceptable minimum temperatures should consider the requirements for the rootstock.
Growing Conditions
Light: Some shade with ample airflow is preferred for the best appearance.
Temperature: Blossfeldias need to be kept in a cool place during winter rest and can tolerate sporadic frost if kept on the dry side before and during cold weather with little danger of being killed. They can withstand temperatures down 15 °F (-10 °C). However, it is better not to expose them to temperatures lower than 40 °F (5 °C) in cultivation, even in an aerated and protected location. These cacti tend to rot in winter during the resting phase if kept wet.
Water: Water your Blossfeldias during the growing period from spring to fall. The thin, fibrous roots suffer if there is humidity. The plant should be watered only when the soil is dry, but it needs to avoid wetting the bodies of these plants while they are in sunlight. A wet plant in the sunlight can cause sunburning, leading to scars or even fungal infections and death. Keep the soil dry as soon as the temperature starts dropping. 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.
Soil: Grow Blossfeldias in a particularly draining soil mix. They are very sensitive to rottenness when in the presence of humidity and low temperatures and let the soil dry out between waterings.
Fertilizer: These cacti grow faster with a low nitrogen content fertilizer in spring and summer.
Propagation
Blossfeldias are almost exclusively propagated by seed and grafting. The tiny seeds should be sown on the surface of a finely sifted soil mix. These plants are very slow-growing, and it is not easy to keep them alive on their own roots for the first 4 to 6 months. and should be watered by carefully misting them with a handheld spray bottle until they are large enough to be watered normally.
Pests and Problems
It may be attractive to various insects, but plants in good condition should be nearly pest-free, particularly if grown in a mineral potting mix with good exposure and ventilation.
Links
- Back to genus Blossfeldia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus