Scientific Name
Weingartia steinbachii (Werderm.) F.H.Brandt
Synonym(s)
Rebutia steinbachii, Sulcorebutia steinbachii
Common Name(s)
Steinbach's Crown Cactus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Weingartia
Etymology
The specific epithet "steinbachi" (pronounced "stine-BAH-kee-eye") honors José Steinbach (1875-1930), a German-born Bolivian explorer and natural history collector, who sent a specimen of this species to Erich Werdermann shortly before his death.
Origin
Weingartia steinbachii is native to southern Bolivia. It occurs north and east of Cochabamba, mainly in flat, dry, stony areas.
Description
Weingartia steinbachii, formerly known as Rebutia steinbachii or Sulcorebutia steinbachii, is a small cactus that forms clumps of many flattened-globose stems with usually 13 spiraling ribs separated into rhomboidal tubercles, each with narrow, white-felt areoles and clusters of near-black spines at the tip. The stems are grayish-green to dark green, sometimes tinged red. They can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. The areoles can reach up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in length, each bearing 9 to 12 radial and 1 to 3, sometimes absent, central spines. The radial spines are pressed against the stem and can measure up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, while the entral spines are slightly stouter and can grow up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
The flowers vary in color from yellow, orange, and red to magenta or violet, often with white inner petals. They are funnel-shaped, appear in late spring, and can reach a length of 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) and a diameter of 1.8 inches (4.5 cm).
Subspecies of Weingartia steinbachii
- Weingartia steinbachii subsp. steinbachii
- Weingartia steinbachii subsp. verticillacantha
How to Grow and Care for Weingartia steinbachii
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 typical for many cactus species, including a winter cooling period 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 standing 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 in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill it with potting soil, spreading the roots out 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.
Links
- Back to genus Weingartia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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