Care of the cactus Tephrocactus weberi or Opuntia weberi |
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The genus Tephrocactus, family Cactaceae, comprises 15 species of cactus native to Argentina. Some species are: Tephrocactus weberi, Tephrocactus articulatus, Tephrocactus alexanderi, Tephrocactus geometricus. Scientific synonyms: Opuntia weberi, Opuntia setigera, Tephrocactus setiger. This species is native to Central and Northern Argentina. They are cacti branched from the base that form colonies 50 cm (19.68") wide. The segments are cylindrical (3-7 cm) and have rhomboid tubercles. In the small areolas they have 5-10 long spines (up to 4 cm/1.57" in length) of white, yellow or red color. The flowers are yellow and measure 5 cm (1.96") in diameter. The fruits are white or greenish. Opuntia weberi is used in pots for balconies, patios, terraces and greenhouses, in rockeries and in gardens of cacti and succulents. Tephrocactus weberi needs full sun exposure and a winter temperature above 0 ºC (32 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of loamy garden soil, siliceous sand, and lapilli or a commercial cactus substrate with 20% coarse sand. Water moderately at the rate of once every 15-20 days in spring, every 8-10 days in summer and every 30 days in fall. Do not water in winter. Opuntia setigera does not need pruning or fertilizers. Tephrocactus weberi is a sensitive plant to excess irrigation and humidity. Opuntia weberi is easily propagated by segment division or from seeds sown in spring in a sandy substrate in the seedbed. |
Images of the cactus Tephrocactus weberi or Opuntia weberi |
 Tephrocactus weberi  Tephrocactus weberi |