Bartschella

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico. 

Description. Bartshella is a small spherical or cylindrical cactus with a green or grey-green stem up to 5 cm in diameter or more, with protruding rounded areoles, pubescent with white hairs at the top of the trunk. 1-2 central spines are white, hooked, surrounded by 9-15 radial straight spines about 1 cm long. Flowers are large, funnel-shaped, pink or lilac, located in the upper part of the plant, up to 4 cm in diameter. Fruits are red.

Height. 10 - 30 cm.

Bartschella - home care

Temperature conditions

The optimal range is considered to be 20 - 25° C; in winter the temperature should be reduced to 12 - 15° C. 

Lighting

Brightly lit location, bartschella can grow in full sun, but should be shaded on hot summer days.

Care

This plant is quite difficult to grow. Good drainage is required as bartschella is prone to root rot. Grafted specimens are much easier to grow.

Substrate

A fairly nutritious substrate with the obligatory addition of perlite and coarse sand. Sprinkle the root collar of the plant with pebbles or coarse sand to prevent the appearance of rot; it does not tolerate alkalization of the soil.

Feeding

Once a month during the growing season with fertilizers for cacti in half concentration.

Flowering time

Summer (June-August). 

Air humidity

It tolerates the dryness of heated rooms well and does not need spraying.

Soil moisture

Watering should be done very carefully, even during the period of active growth. Keep dry in winter. 

Transplant

As needed, mature plants can be kept in the same container for many years. You should choose a pot with large drainage holes.

Reproduction

By seeds or side shoots, which are rooted in coarse wet sand at a very high temperature of 27 - 30 ° C. By grafting.

Pests and diseases 

Harmful insects can include mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects.