Care of the cactus Frailea pumila or Echinocactus pumilus |
The genus Frailea, family Cactaceae, includes about 18 species of cacti native to South America. Some species are: Frailea pumila, Frailea pygmaea, Frailea grahliana, Frailea castanea, Frailea cataphracta. Scientific synonyms: Echinocactus pumilus, Frailea deminuta. This species is native to Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. Frailea pumila is a tiny, spherical, dark green, grass-like cactus that reaches 2 cm (0.78") in height and 3 cm (1.18") in diameter. It has 16-18 ribs arranged in a spiral and that have tubercles. On the areoles there are 11-15 yellow radial spines and 1-2 curved, yellow central spines. The showy yellow flowers appear at the apex of the plant. Due to the small size of this cactus, it is usually used in pots as an indoor plant (next to a window) and for balconies and patios. Frailea pumila prefers full sun exposure but also grows in semi-shade. The safe winter temperature is 4 ºC (39.2 ºF). It is important that the soil has excellent drainage, for which a commercial cactus substrate can be used to which a handful of coarse sand will be added. Water moderately in spring and summer, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. Do not water from mid-autumn to early spring. Fertilize once in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti and succulents. No pruning required. This plant can be attacked by red spiders and scale insects if ventilation is not adequate. It is important to monitor excess humidity. Echinocactus pumilus is propagated from seeds sown in spring. Young plants can flower early. |
Images of the cactus Frailea pumila or Echinocactus pumilus |