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
Etymology
The specific epithet "vorwerkii" (pronounced "for-VERK-ee-eye") honors Wilhelm Vorwerk (1873-1936), a German gardener who was the technical director of the Berlin Botanical Garden.
Origin
Neowerdermannia vorwerkii is native to Argentina (Jujuy, Salta) and Bolivia.
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, each with a cluster of long, spreading spines at its tip. The stem is pale or dark green and can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. The spines are whitish, brownish to grayish, measuring up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. Each areole bears up to 10 curved radial and 1 to 3 often hooked central spines.
The flowers are white or pale pink, funnel-shaped, and appear in spring. They can reach a diameter of 8 inches (20 cm). The fruits are globose, green becoming reddish, and can grow 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°F to 50°F (0°C 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 roots, and growing into a large clump is a challenge. It needs a deep pot and good drainage to accommodate its taproot.
They are commonly grafted to avoid root problems and make them grow more easily. Neowerdermannia is easier to grow on a graft, but the body splits if over-watered (especially in spring).
See more at How to Grow and Care for Neowerdermannia.
Links
- Back to genus Neowerdermannia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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