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Description:
Miniature
clustering species, readily forms
clumps of many
heads
Stem:
Individual stems 2(4) cm tall, 3(5) cm in diameter. The stem is
covered by flat mauve and green coloured
tubercles (about 5 mm wide)
Areoles : Long
narrow with short white
felt.
Spines:
9-11 short yellow
radial spines, 1 to 5 mm long, pointing diagonally and downward,
completely flattened against the
tubercles, they take the characteristic form of a fishbone.
Roots:
Conical
Flower:
20 - 50 mm long, 35 - 50 mm wide;
floral tube
funnel-shaped yellowish green with tan coloured
scales, tepals deep magenta with a clearer
throat.
Phenology:
Blossoming time:
late spring.
Cultivation:
Very difficult to find high quality plants of this species in
cultivation, S. rauschii loves a very
permeable, coarse
mineral soil as well as to be strictly
kept dry throughout the
winter quiescent period since it is very
sensitive to any
moisture excesses, To prevent
rottenness it is also advisable to surround its
root neck by very rough
sand or
grit, this help a fast water
drainage and an appropriate
air circulation.
For its
sensitive roots this species is frequently
grafted to avoid root problems. Plants grafted on
Opuntia compressa are easy to grow and quite
frost hardy -5 (-10)° C
Water moderately in the
growing season, keep
dry during the
winter rest.
Overwinter this plant in a cool place (at 0/10°C) this is important for
the flowers as well as for plants
health. Without this cool winter period they normally wont get
any
buds.
Sun Exposure:
Needs a full sun exposure ( light shadow my be useful in the
hottest summer days)
Propagation: Seed,
cutting,
grafting |
Cultivation and Mail Sale 
