Rebutia rauschii f. violacidermis is an eye-catching cactus with vibrant hues on the stems, making it attractive even when it is not in flower.
Scientific Name
Rebutia rauschii f. violacidermis
Accepted Scientific Name
Rebutia canigueralii Cárdenas
Synonym(s)
Sulcorebutia rauschii f. violacidermis, Weingartia rauschii f. violacidermis
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Rebutia
Etymology
The specific epithet "violacidermis (vy-oh-lah-see-DER-miss)" means "with violet skin" and refers to the color of the stems.
Origin
Rebutia rauschii f. violacidermis is a form of Rebutia rauschii. It occurs near Sucre in the Chuquisaca Department of Bolivia.
Description
Rebutia rauschii f. violacidermis, also known as Sulcorebutia rauschii f. violacidermis, is a lovely small cactus that forms a dense clump of spherical stems with violet spirals of flat tubercles. The stems can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Each tubercle has a narrow, white-felted areole bearing a comb-like cluster of appressed spines. There are 9 to 11 radial spines on each areole, while the central spines are absent.
This cactus blooms in late spring. The flowers are glossy, deep magenta with a paler throat, usually appear near the base of the stems, and remain open for three or four days. They are funnel-shaped and can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length and diameter. The fruits are spherical, reddish-brown, measure up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter, and contain black seeds.
How to Grow and Care for Rebutia rauschii f. violacidermis
Light: While it grows well in direct sunlight, Rebutia rauschii f. violacidermis prefers partial shade during midday in the summer. A sunny window would be ideal if you are growing the cactus indoors.
Soil: Having soil with good drainage is most important for a healthy plant. You can use a commercial soil mix from 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 f. violacidermis 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: For a young plant, it is recommended to repot it each year in early spring. On the other hand, a mature plant only needs to be repotted when it outgrows its pot. Late winter or early spring is the best time for repotting.
Propagation: You can propagate Rebutia rauschii f. violacidermis 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 f. violacidermis
Rebutia rauschii f. violacidermis has no toxic effects reported.
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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