Neoporteria
(Neoporter'ia)
DESCRIPTION: This group consists of about thirty cacti from western South America. These cacti form mostly small, variably shaped, gray to brown bodies covered with attractive spines and large flowers in the spring, summer, or fall. They will flower profusely and at an early age when grown in a greenhouse, although they will rarely flower in a home. The bicolored blossoms are followed by red or green seedpods. N. clavata is a pretty variety that grows up to 12 inches high. The spherical body of this plant eventually becomes slightly columnar and is covered with dark spines. This cactus will flower in the spring and fall when it is only 2 to 3 inches in diameter. The pretty, vivid red flower buds open to pink or purple blossoms centered with pale yellow. N. curvispina is one of the largest species in this group eventually reaching a height of up to 3 feet. At first, it has a globular body, eventually developing a more columnar shape and creeping along the ground. The stems are covered with red- to yellow-colored spines. When the plant reaches a height of 3 to 4 inches, it begins to bear flowers in the spring and summer. The open-faced blossoms are bright yellow with the outer petals shaded slightly with peach. These lovely flowers are followed by dry, red berries. This variety will scar easily if subjected to cold temperatures.
POTTING: These plants can survive a minimum temperature of 45º F, although it is best to keep them at temperatures above 50º F. Grow Neoporterias in good light in a sandy, porous, mineral compost. 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. In the winter, less water is needed, but enough to prevent ugly scarring and withered roots.
PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown in containers filled with a 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 singly or with several to a pot. They seem to do better if a few are together rather than by themselves. Cuttings can be made by taking off a stem/shoot with a sharp, sterile knife. Leave the cutting in a warm, dry place for a couple of days or weeks in order to allow a callus to form over the wound. Once the callus forms, the cutting may be inserted in a container filled with firmed cactus potting mix topped with a layer of coarse grit. They should be placed in the coarse grit only; this prevents the cut end from becoming too wet and allows the roots to penetrate the rich compost underneath. The cuttings should root in two to six weeks.
VARIETIES: N. gerocephala; N. pseudoreicheana; N. subgibbosa & var. litoralis; N. curvispina; N. clavata.
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