Scientific Name
Neowerdermannia vorwerkii Frič
Common Name(s)
Achacana (Spanish)
Synonym(s)
Sulcorebutia vorwerkii, Weingartia vorwerkii
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Notocacteae
Genus: Neowerdermannia
Description
Neowerdermannia vorwerkii is a small cactus with a solitary, flattened, globose to elongated globose stem with 16 or more ribs divided into conical tubercles with clusters of long, spreading spines at the tip. The stem is pale or dark green and grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Spines are whitish, brownish to grayish, and up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. Each areole bears up to 10 curved radial and 1 to 3 often hooked central spines. Flowers are white or pale pink, funnel-shaped, up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, and appear in spring. Fruits are globose, green becoming reddish, and up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Neowerdermannias come from mountainous areas, so they like bright light and cool and dry conditions in the winter. This is important for the flowers and their health. They usually won't get many buds without this cool winter period of 32 to 50 °F (0 to 10 °C). They are difficult to cultivate and are rot prone because of their great sensitivity to excess watering. It is not easy to get to any large size on their own roots, and it is a challenge to grow into a large clump. It needs a deep pot and good drainage to accommodate its taproot.
They are commonly grafted to avoid root problems and make them grow easier. Neowerdermannias are easier to grow on graft, but the body splits if over-watered (especially in spring).
See more at How to Grow and Care for Neowerdermannia.
Origin
This species is native to Argentina (Jujuy, Salta) and Bolivia.
Links
- Back to genus Neowerdermannia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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