Care of the cactus Tephrocactus alexanderi or Opuntia alexanderi |
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The genus Tephrocactus, family Cactaceae, comprises 15 species of cactus native to Argentina. Some species are: Tephrocactus alexanderi, Tephrocactus articulatus, Tephrocactus weberi, Tephrocactus geometricus. Scientific synonyms: Opuntia alexanderi, Opuntia riojana, Tephrocactus bruchii. This species is native to La Rioja and Salta, Argentina. They are greyish-green shrubby cacti that have globose segments with tubers; they can form groups 50 cm (19.68") wide. In the areolas they have 4-12 white and rigid spines of 2 cm (0.78") in length. They have yellowish glochids and white or pink flowers. They are used in pots for patios, terraces and greenhouses and also in rockery and in gardens of cacti and succulents. Tephrocactus alexanderi needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. The winter safety temperature is 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 very moderately at the rate of once every 15-20 days in spring, every 8-10 days in summer and every 30 days in autumn. In winter do not water. They do not need fertilizers or pruning. They are plants resistant to pests but sensitive to excess watering. They are easily propagated by segment rooting or from spring sown seeds. |
Images of the cactus Tephrocactus alexanderi or Opuntia alexanderi |
 Tephrocactus alexanderi  Tephrocactus alexanderi |