Scientific Name
Rebutia muscula F. Ritter & K.R. Thiele
Common Names
Orange Snowball, Little Mouse, White-haired Crown
Synonyms
Aylostera muscula, Rebutia nicolaii, Cylindrorebutia nicolai, Rebutia wessneriana var. permutata, Rebutia permutata
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Rebutia
Description
Rebutia muscula is a small cactus that grows quite close to the ground and produces offsets with age, spreading up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The stems are pale green, at first hemispherical, later becoming elongated. They can reach up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter and usually grow taller than broad. In cultivation, they grow larger and cluster more vigorously than in habitat.
The deep orange funnel-shaped flowers appear at the base of the stems. They can grow up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
If you can grow cacti and succulents successfully, you can likely grow the popular Rebutias without too much trouble. Their water and light requirements are pretty typical for many cacti species, including a cooling period in the winter to promote better blooming. Watering should be done carefully, allowing the plant to almost dry out between waterings. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Instead of propagating your offsets, let the plant form a large cluster for the best viewing. When it blooms, this will make a stunning display. Lastly, ensure fertilizer during the growing season for the best results.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot your Rebutia, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, removing any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill it with potting soil, spreading the roots as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Rebutia.
Origin
Rebutia muscula are native to Bolivia (Narvaez, Tarija).
Links
- Back to genus Rebutia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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