Rebutia steinbachii

Scientific Name

Rebutia steinbachii Werderm.

Synonyms

Sulcorebutia steinbachii, Sulcorebutia steinbachii var. steinbachii, Sulcorebutia nigrofuscata, Sulcorebutia veronikae, Weingartia nigro-fuscata, Weingartia steinbachii

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Rebutia

Description

Rebutia steinbachii is a small cactus that readily forms, especially in cultivation, clumps of many heads. The stems are flattened globose, grayish-green to dark green, sometimes tinged red, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) tall, up to 2 inches (5 cm) wide. The areoles are long, narrow, depressed with short grey felt (almost naked), up to 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long. Radial spines are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, pressed against the stem, white, yellow, or brown with darker tips or almost black. Central spines are usually 1 to 3, up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long, only slightly stouter of the same color of the radials. Flowers are yellow, red, magenta, violet, or orange, often with white inner petals. They are funnel-shaped, up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long, and up to 1.8 inches (4.5 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 fairly 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. For the best viewing, instead of propagating your offsets, let the plant for a large cluster. When it blooms, this will make a stunning display. Lastly, make sure to fertilizer during the growing season for the best results.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot your Rebutia, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill 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.

Origin

Native to Bolivia.