Lobivia haematantha
| Light | Bright light with some direct sun; a little shade from the fiercest afternoon sun in hot climates |
|---|---|
| Water | Moderate in the growing season, allowing the soil to dry between waterings; keep dry and cool in winter |
| Soil | Fast-draining, mostly mineral mix (see Soil and potting mix) |
| Temperature | Keep above freezing in growth; tolerates a cold, dry winter rest |
| Propagation | Seed, or removal of offsets from clustering forms |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to cats and dogs |
Lobivia haematantha (now usually classified in the genus Echinopsis, as Echinopsis haematantha) is a small, variable South American cactus from the high country of northwestern Argentina, prized for its large, brightly coloured flowers held on a modest body. Its spines are often curved or hooked and vary widely from plant to plant, while the funnel-shaped blooms open in shades of red, orange and yellow — and violet in some forms — a diversity that has made the species a long-standing favourite among collectors of the genus Lobivia.
Description
Lobivia haematantha forms a solitary or slowly clustering plant with a globular to shortly cylindrical green body, typically staying small and low. The ribs are divided into distinct tubercles bearing areoles from which the spines emerge. Spination is famously inconsistent: the spines may be short or long, straight or strongly curved, and some forms carry a hooked central spine, ranging in colour from pale straw through brown to almost black.
The flowers are the main attraction — relatively large for the size of the plant, funnel-shaped, and opening by day. Colour varies enormously across the range, from deep red and orange through to clear yellow, with violet-flowered forms as well, often with a contrasting pale or greenish throat. This variability has led to many named varieties and forms within the species.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the mountains of northwestern Argentina, where it grows at altitude in gritty, well-drained soils among rocks and sparse grassland. Plants there endure strong sun, wide swings between day and night temperatures, and a cold, dry winter — conditions that shape its cultivation needs in collections.
Cultivation
Lobivia haematantha is an accommodating plant for a high-altitude cactus, valued because it flowers freely even as a small specimen. Grow it in a very free-draining, mostly mineral mix in bright light with some direct sun to encourage tight growth and good flowering. Water moderately through the warm months, always letting the soil dry out before watering again, and see Watering for general technique.
The key to reliable blooming is a proper winter rest: keep the plant cool and completely dry through the coldest months. Coming from the mountains, it appreciates cold nights and will tolerate low winter temperatures as long as it stays dry, which also helps set flower buds for spring. See Repotting for potting-on advice.
Propagation
Seed is the usual method and captures the species' natural variability, which is part of its appeal — see Propagation — seed. Forms that offset can also be increased by carefully removing and rooting the pups; see Propagation — offsets. As with many Lobivia, slow or reluctant seedlings are sometimes grafted to build size more quickly before being grown on their own roots.
Common problems
- Rot — the commonest cause of loss, almost always from overwatering or a mix that holds too much moisture, especially in winter.
- Poor flowering — usually a sign of too little light or the lack of a cool, dry winter rest.
- Etiolation — insufficient light makes the body pale and elongate, losing its natural compact shape.
- Pests — red spider mites and mealybugs are the usual offenders; see Pests and diseases.
See also
- Lobivia — the genus overview
- Grafting · Soil and potting mix · Watering · Propagation — seed · Propagation — offsets