Blossfeldia

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Northern Argentina, Bolivia.

Description. Blossfeldia are miniature cacti growing singly or in small groups, without ribs or spines. The stem is flattened, disc-shaped, gray-green, usually up to 1.2 cm in diameter, rarely exceeds 2 cm, but when growing grafted plants it can reach a larger size. The areoles are arranged spirally. The flowers are delicate, may slightly exceed the diameter of the entire stem, daytime, white, yellow or pinkish, small - 6 - 15 mm. length and diameter 5 - 7 mm., self-pollinating, remain open for 3 - 4 days. The seeds are extremely small.

Height.  10 - 15 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Tolerates frosts down to -10°C in extremely dry environments. In winter, keep Blossfeldia in a dry place at a temperature of 5 to 15 ° C.

Lighting

A brightly lit location with shade from direct sunlight during hot daytime hours.

Care

It grows extremely slowly. To prevent rot, it is advisable to surround the root collar with very coarse sand or gravel, this promotes rapid drainage of water.

Substrate

Standard mixture for cacti with the addition of perlite and coarse sand. 

Feeding

Liquid fertilizers for cacti and succulents in half the dosage are applied only during the growing season - in spring and summer, when the cactus grows faster.

Purpose

A very miniature species, ideal for a collection placed in a limited space.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

It does not need spraying; during the winter dormant period it especially needs dry air.

Watering

Try not to water blossfeldia on cloudy, humid days. The plant should be watered only when the weather is dry. In winter there should be no watering.

Transfer

Replant in the spring, when the roots become crowded. Typically every 2 - 4 years to ensure fresh soil. After transplanting, stop watering for a week or more. Use a pot with good drainage.

Reproduction

Seeds that are sown on the surface of a very finely sifted soil mixture. Seedlings grow very slowly and often die in the first 4 - 6 months. It is better to carefully spray young plants rather than water them until they are 2 - 5 years old. Many gardeners graft tiny 2-3 month old cacti.

Pests and diseases

Avoid getting water on the body of the cactus, especially when it is in sunlight - this leads to fungal infections and even death. Has a tendency to rot in winter, during the dormant phase. 

Plants that receive proper care are almost never attacked by pests; only occasionally spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects appear.