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Flowers with delicate tones |
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CHAMAELOBIVIA HYBRIDS:
Chamaecereus silvestrii (now renamed Echinopsis chamaecereus)
is an old species widely hybridized with various Lobivias, hence
Chamaelobivia (intergeneric hybrid of Chamaecereus and
Lobivia), but since both of those are now reclassified as
Echinopsis, that makes this an Echinopsis hybrid.
Chamaelobivia are very popular hybrids that develop really
amazing flowers of different colours on the original "peanut" body and
many of these hybrids have cultivar names. These plants
soon form
spectacular clumps with 20-30 (or more) flowers at a time, and are quite
a sight.
They are often thicker, stronger, larger growing than
C. sylvestrii, and tend not to have the typical peanut shaped
offsets. The offsets produced are more strongly attached to the main
stems.
Most of these hybrids can grow outside all year, and can
take a lot of sun. Hardy from -4° to -12°
C, depending on clone.
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Cultivation: This is an
easily grown cactus, suited to hanging baskets as well as pots.
Grow in
well-drained soil in a sunny spot. This Echinopsis needs a period of
cool rest in winter to produce flowers abundantly.
It flowers freely
indoors if conditions suit it. The plant survives outside without
protection in winter (cold hardy to -8° ) but is then
somewhat prone to rot, too.
It needs moderate water in summer, none in winter.
Watch for infestations of
mealybug, scale insects and spider mite. |
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Family:
Cactaceae (Cactus
Family)
Origin:
Garden origin (Nursery
produced cultivar)
Conservation status: Listed in
CITES appendix 2.
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ABOVE: The first flower of small young cutting
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BELOW: The flower of a big mature specimen
Propagation: Easy to propagate from offsets. Small joints are
produced in quantities (peanuts). These offsets can be detached and
planted immediately, as they root easily with no assistance when they
touch the ground. Just let them lay on the soil and you have a new
start. |
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Cultivation
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