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CHAMAELOBIVIA HYBRIDS:
Chamaecereus
silvestrii (now renamed Echinopsis chamaecereus) is an old species
widely hybridized with various Lobivias, hence Chamaelobivia (intergenic
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 develops really amazing
flowers of different colours on the original "peanut" body and many of
these hybrids have cultivar names. This plants form soon spectacular
clumps whit 20-30 (or more) flowers at a time and are quite a sight.
They are often thicher,
stronger, larger growing than C. sylvestrii and tend not to have
the typical peanut shaped offsets. The offsets produced being more
strongly attached to the main stems.
Most of this hybrids can grow outside all year and can
take a lot of sun.
Hardy from -4° to -12° C depending on clone.
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.
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
somewhat prone to rot, then, too.
Needs moderate water in summer, none in winter. Watch for infestations of
mealybug, scale insects and spider mite.
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