Matucana intertexta is a recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the UK's Royal Horticultural Society.
Scientific Name
Matucana intertexta F.Ritter
Synonym(s)
Borzicactus intertextus, Matucana intertexta subsp. intertexta, Submatucana intertexta
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Matucana
Etymology
The specific epithet "intertexta (pronounced in-ter-TEKS-tuh)" means "interwoven" and possibly refers to the spination of the species.
Origin
Matucana intertexta is native to northern Peru. It often grows in the shade of xerophytic shrubs and open grassy spots in the Cajamarca Region at elevations ranging from 4,920 to 7,550 feet (1,500 to 2,300 m).
Description
Matucana intertexta is a small cactus with a green, solitary, spherical to broadly cylindrical stem with 15 to 25 blunt ribs divided into flattened tubercles. The stem can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and 7.2 inches (18 cm) in diameter. Initially, the spines are white and up to 20 per areole, measuring up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long, and can not be differentiated into central and radial. Later, they become stronger and darker, each areole bearing 8 to 12 radial and 1 to 4 central spines. The radial spines are straight and can grow up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, while the central spines are straight or somewhat bent, brown with black tips, turning grey with age, and can grow up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long.
During spring and early summer, Matucana intertexta produces pale orange to red-orange, funnel-shaped flowers at the top of the stem. The flowers can reach a length of 4.2 inches (10.5 cm) and a diameter of 3.2 inches (8 cm). The fruits are spherical, with white tufts of wool, measuring up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) in diameter, and contain dull black to brown seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Matucana intertexta
Light: Although it thrives in direct sunlight, Matucana intertexta prefers partial shade during the summer midday. If grown indoors, a sunny window is an ideal spot.
Soil: Having soil with good drainage is most important for a healthy Matucana intertexta. You can either use a commercial cactus soil mix or make your own.
Temperature: This cactus requires warm temperatures, even in winter. It 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: Since the roots of Matucana intertexta are very delicate and subject to rot, the soil should be kept as dry as possible. During the growing season, water your plant frequently, but allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. In the winter, when it goes dormant, stop watering it.
Fertilizing: While it does not require much fertilizer, giving it some extra nutrients occasionally keeps this cactus healthy and prolongs the time for repotting. When it is not actively growing in winter, fertilization is unnecessary.
Repotting: To keep your Matucana intertexta happy and thriving, repot it every two years into a slightly larger pot with drainage holes. The best time for repotting is in late winter or early spring.
Propagation: Since this plant has a solitary growth habit, it can be propagated only from seeds. Late spring and early summer are ideal for sowing the seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Matucana.
Toxicity of Matucana intertexta
Matucana intertexta has no toxic effects reported. However, keep it away from pets and children as it has sharp spines.
Forms of Matucana intertexta
Links
- Back to genus Matucana
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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