Matucana
DESCRIPTION:This group consists of about 20 cacti originally from Peru. They form spherical or short, columnar plants, which can be solitary or clustering, with attractive spines and flowers. Their long-necked flowers are produced in the spring and summer and sometimes throughout both seasons. They may be red, pink, orange, yellow, or white. These cacti make great window garden plants, greenhouse and landscaping plants. M. comacephala is a cylindrical shaped plant that usually grows up to 30 inches high. There are about 25 tuberculate ribs covered with white, hair-like spines. Stiffer, curved spines, up to 11/2 inches long, grow from the center of the areoles. The red flowers are almost 21/4 inches long and are followed by green fruits. M. intertexta forms a small, glossy green plant up to a foot high and 6 inches wide. Its body is covered with sharp, very light brown or orange-brown spines. In the spring and summer, red or orange, 2-inch long flowers are produced from the crown. This cactus may clump with age. M. madisoniorum produces a globular, blue- or gray-green body that has variable spines. Seedlings of this variety are all densely covered with long, curving spines; however, seedlings from plants growing at lower altitudes will ordinarily lose their spines at maturity, while those from higher altitudes keep theirs. Bright red flowers are borne intermittently throughout the summer.
POTTING: These plants need a minimum temperature of 50ยบ F. They need good light but not severe sunlight. Grow in rich, porous, sandy soil and let their soil dry out between waterings. Repot in the spring when their roots become cramped. Generally, they should be repotted every other year in order to provide fresh soil. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they'll need larger containers. Fill about a quarter of the pot with broken crocks, gravel, etc. to promote good drainage. Firm the potting soil. After repotting, do not water for a week or more.
PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown in containers filled with general-purpose cactus and succulent potting mix. Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the surface of the compost. Cover the seeds lightly with some grit, moisten the container and place in an area with high humidity and warmth. Transplant the seedlings when they are large enough to handle. Waiting too long until they are overcrowded can cause rot. Gently separate them so as not to damage the delicate roots. Transplanting will be easier if the soil is slightly moist. Seedlings can be potted single or with several to a pot; however, they seem to do better with a few together rather than by themselves.
VARIETIES: M. intertexta & var. celendinensis; M. ritteri; M. aureiflora; M. madisoniorum; M. formosa; M. comacephala; M. paucicostata; M.weberbaueri; M. yanganucensis; M. haynei.
Go see DICTIONARY OF BOTANICAL NAMES.
Back to our botanical home page.
