Lobivia BACKEBERGII

Lobivia BACKEBERGII - Backeberg's lobivia, Wright's lobivia, Echinopsis wrightiana, Lobivia WRIGHTIANA, Echinopsis, Lobivia backebergii.

Lobivia is a genus of cacti in the family Cactaceae, comprising about 70 species growing in the highlands of Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. It is included in the larger genus Echinopsis in modern classification, but is preserved as a horticultural name.

The genus is represented by compact, predominantly spherical or flattened cacti. The stem surface is green or gray-green, with distinct ribs divided into tubercles. Spines are of varying lengths, thin, and can press tightly or diverge to the sides. The flowers are large, tubular or funnel-shaped, of diverse shades, often bright and contrasting.

Flowering occurs in spring and summer. Flowers open on the lateral surface of the stem and can be yellow, orange, red, pink, or white. The fruits are small, fleshy, and often split open after ripening. Seeds are small, dark, and rounded.

Backeberg's lobivia has a dark green stem, spherical, becoming cylindrical over time, about 8 cm (3.1 in) tall and 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter. Ribs (16-17) are tuberculate, with small areoles. Radial spines (8-13) are pale, slender, and soft, 0.4-0.7 cm (0.16-0.28 in) long. With age, a single hooked central spine 3-6 cm (1.2-2.4 in) long forms. Flowers are lilac-pink, with a long and slender floral tube, about 6 cm (2.4 in) long and 4 cm (1.6 in) in diameter. Natural habitat is the central regions of Peru (Mantaro Valley). The species is very ornamental.

Seeds are sown on the surface of a moist, well-drained substrate consisting of sand, perlite, and fine gravel grit. The sowings are covered with a transparent lid or glass. Daily ventilation is provided, and a temperature of 20-24 °C (68-75 °F) is maintained.

Seedlings emerge within 5-14 days. The maximum germination period is up to 25 days. Pricking out is carried out upon the appearance of the first spines. Seedlings are planted into individual containers and adapted to brighter light gradually.

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Lobivia is suitable for indoor cultivation. It is placed in a bright location with access to direct afternoon sunlight. In spring, gradual acclimation to bright light is recommended to prevent sunburn. The temperature during the growing season is maintained within 20-28 °C (68-82 °F), and in winter at around 6-10 °C (43-50 °F) in a dry, cool room. Watering is carried out moderately, only after the substrate has completely dried out. In winter, watering is practically eliminated.

A mineral substrate with the addition of sand and fine crushed brick is used. Repotting is carried out in spring as needed. Pots are selected to be shallow, with mandatory drainage. During the summer, cactus fertilizers are applied once every 3-4 weeks. Fertilizers with high nitrogen content are not used. Fertilizing ceases in autumn.

Shaping and pruning are not required. Propagation is carried out by seeds or lateral offsets, which frequently appear at the base of the mature plant and root easily in spring and summer.