Aylostera

Family. Cactaceae, currently aylostera have been added to the genus Rebutia.

Origin. Mountainous regions of South America, especially in Bolivia and Argentina, at an altitude of about 2500 m - 3000 m above sea level.

Description. Aylostera is a small spherical cactus densely covered with brown areoles with short white spines, which give it a silvery tint. The stem is spherical, 2.5 - 3.5 cm in diameter. The areoles are small, brown, elongated 1 - 2 mm. length, less than 0.5 mm. wide, form 35 - 40 spirals. There are 24 - 26 spines, they are short, about 1 mm long, silvery-white, dense, comb-shaped, covering almost the entire small stem in the form of a spiral. The root of aylostera is a fleshy tap root. Large, funnel-shaped flowers 4 - 7 cm in diameter, 4.5 - 5.5 cm long, orange-red, red or white depending on the species. The perianths are orange with a lilac center. Blooms very profusely in spring. Fruits 4 mm. in diameter, crimson with violet.

Height. A small cactus - about 10 cm in height. 

Home care

Temperature conditions

Withstands the most intense summer heat without problems. Minimum temperature 5 °C, requires a cool and dry winter dormancy period, winter temperature 6 - 10 °C. Without cool winter conditions, aylostera will produce few buds. If possible, it is worth providing the plant with a place where there is a difference in daytime temperatures.

Lighting

Bright light or light shade - young specimens can get burnt by direct sunlight.

Care

Overheating and hot sun should be avoided; temporary exposure to the open air is possible during the summer months. 

Substrate

Standard cactus soil with a high coarse sand content and good drainage.

Feeding

Once a month, aylosterais fed with cactus fertilizer during the growing season.

Flowering time

Young aylosteras, as well as adult plants, bloom from spring to mid-summer or even until autumn, the flowers are numerous.

Air humidity

They prefer dry air and like good ventilation. Don't spray. 

Soil moisture

The substrate should be kept moist during the growing season, avoiding excess water and providing good drainage. Keep it almost dry during the cool winter dormancy period. For watering, it is recommended to use softened water at room temperature.

Transplant

Replant the plants every two years in the spring, when the pot becomes cramped. After planting in fresh soil, watering is stopped for 7 - 10 days.

Reproduction

Reproduction is possible by seeds, but this is a rather lengthy process, also by side shoots and children. The germination rate of fresh seeds is about 50% at an ambient temperature of about 25 ° C. Young cacti are kept under a glass cover or transparent plastic, and the crops are periodically sprayed. Make sure that condensation from the shelter does not drip onto the plants. Picking is carried out at the age of 3 - 4 months. The first flowering occurs at the age of 2 - 3 years. The lateral processes are separated with a sharp sterile instrument and the cut site is dried. Root in wet sand. Aylostera is often grafted onto rootstocks that are less capricious in their maintenance. 

Pests and diseases

Succulents are prone to rotting from overwatering, and are particularly susceptible to root rot, so it is best to plant them in porous, permeable soil. If there is no cool dormant period, the cactus will continue to grow during the winter months, and due to the lack of sunlight during this time, the plant may become elongated and unsightly.

Of the harmful insects, the flower can be attacked by spider mites, scale insects and mealybugs.

Note

Suitable for a beginner gardener.

Hydroponics

It grows well in hydroponics with proper adaptation. 

Types of aylostera:

Aylostera heliosa

   The second name is solar rebutia. A miniature cactus with many shoots, densely covered with areoles bearing short spines. The stems are cylindrical, with a diameter of 2 to 3 cm. The root system is powerful, turnip-shaped. The flowers are bright orange, 4 - 5 cm in diameter, appear abundantly in the upper part of the stems.  

Aylostera muscula

      Reaches only 15 cm in height and looks charming at any time of the year. The stems are cylindrical, dark green, with numerous indistinct ribs. This species has many thin and long spines of light gray or white color. The spines cover the plant very tightly and give it additional attractiveness. The flowers are orange, funnel-shaped.