Rebutia rauschii is not recognized as a separate species and is treated as a synonym of Rebutia canigueralii.
Scientific Name
Rebutia rauschii (G.Frank) D.R.Hunt
Accepted Scientific Name
Rebutia canigueralii Cárdenas
Synonym(s)
Sulcorebutia rauschii, Sulcorebutia tarabucoensis subsp. rauschii, Weingartia rauschii
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Rebutia
Etymology
The specific epithet "rauschii (ROWSH-ee-eye)" honors Walter Rausch (1928-2022 ), an Austrian cactus expert and plant collector.
Origin
Rebutia rauschii is native to Bolivia and occurs near Zudáñez in the Chuquisaca Department at about 9,190 feet (2,800 m) above sea level.
Description
Rebutia rauschii, also known as Sulcorebutia rauschii or Weingartia rauschii, is a small cactus that grows slowly and forms a dense clump of dark green to purplish stems with short, black spines. The surface of the stems is covered with flat, spirally arranged tubercles, each tipped with a narrow, white-felted areole that bears a cluster of appressed spines in a pectinate (comb-like) arrangement. They can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears 9 to 11 radial spines. The central spines are absent.
In the late spring, this cactus produces beautiful flowers that remain open for three or four days. The flowers are glossy, deep magenta with a paler throat and usually appear near the base of the stems. They are funnel-shaped, reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length and nearly equal in diameter. The fruits are spherical, reddish-brown, up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter, and contain black seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Rebutia rauschii
Light: While it grows well in direct sunlight, Rebutia rauschii prefers partial shade during midday in the summer. A sunny window would be ideal if you are growing the cactus indoors.
Soil: Good drainage is essential for a healthy plant. You can use a commercial soil mix for cacti or make your own.
Temperature: As a mountain plant, this cactus does not appreciate high temperatures and 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: During the growing season, water Rebutia rauschii frequently, but allow the soil to completely dry out before watering again. However, when it goes dormant in the winter, stop the watering.
Fertilizing: Although unnecessary, using a low-balanced soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength can help your cactus thrive. However, suspend the feeding in winter.
Repotting: It is recommended to repot a young plant annually in early spring. However, a mature plant only requires repotting when it outgrows its container. The best time to repot is either late winter or early spring.
Propagation: You can propagate Rebutia rauschii by offsets or seed. Remove the offsets when the plant is actively growing and sow the seeds in the spring.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Rebutia.
Toxicity of Rebutia rauschii
Rebutia rauschii has no toxic effects reported.
Forms and Cultivars of Rebutia rauschii
Links
- Back to genus Rebutia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
