Echinopsis JAJOIANA

Echinopsis JAJOIANA - Jajoiana echinopsis, Jajo's lobivia, Lobivia JAJOIANA, Lobivia GLAUCA, Echinopsis jajoiana.

Echinopsis is a genus of cacti in the family Cactaceae, comprising more than 120 species growing in South America, predominantly in Argentina, Bolivia, and Uruguay.

The genus is represented by spherical or short-stemmed cacti with numerous ribs, large areoles, and a variety of spines - from short to long, thin, and curved. Plants frequently elongate with age, forming a columnar shape. A distinctive feature of echinopsis is large funnel-shaped flowers on a long tube, opening at night or in the early morning hours.

Flowers form in spring and summer, being white, pink, red, or salmon-colored, with a strong fragrance. Flowering does not last long - from one to three days. The fruits are fleshy, oblong, with a soft rind. Seeds are black, small, rounded, with a glossy surface.

Jajoiana echinopsis has a solitary spherical stem up to 8 cm (3.1 in) in diameter. Numerous compressed ribs are divided into distinct tubercles. About 15 thin dark spines, the central ones of which are up to 7 cm (2.8 in) long and can be hooked at the tip. Flowers are up to 6 cm (2.4 in) in diameter, orange-yellow with a purple-red throat.

Seeds are sown on the surface of a moistened loose mineral substrate. The sowings are covered with a transparent lid. Ventilation 1-2 times a day is provided, and the temperature is maintained within 22-26 °C (72-79 °F).

Seedlings emerge within 5-15 days. The maximum germination period is up to 25 days. Pricking out is performed upon the appearance of the first spines; seedlings are transplanted into individual containers and gradually acclimated to bright light.

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Echinopsis is suitable for indoor cultivation. It is placed on a sunny windowsill, preferably of southern orientation. In spring, gradual acclimation to the sun is recommended to avoid burns. During the period of active growth, a temperature of 20-28 °C (68-82 °F) is maintained. In winter, maintenance at 8-10 °C (46-50 °F) in a dry room is preferred. Watering is carried out rarely, only after the substrate has dried out completely. In winter, watering practically ceases.

A loose mineral substrate with sand and fine gravel is used. Repotting is carried out in spring once every 2-3 years, into deep and stable pots. Drainage is mandatory. During the growing season, cactus fertilizers are applied once every 3-4 weeks. Fertilizing ceases with the onset of autumn. Nitrogen fertilizers are not used.

Shaping is not performed. Propagation is carried out by seeds and offsets, which root easily during the warm season. Flowering is possible already several years after rooting.