Lobivia DUCIS-PAULI 'LONGISPINA'

Lobivia DUCIS-PAULI 'LONGISPINA' - Long-spined Duke Paul's lobivia, Lobivia ducis-pauli 'Longispina'.

Lobivia is a genus of cacti in the cactus family (Cactaceae), comprising about 70 species native to the highlands of Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. It is included within the broader genus Echinopsis in modern classification, but is retained as a horticultural name.

The genus is represented by compact, predominantly spherical or flattened cacti. The stem surface is green or gray-green, with pronounced ribs divided into tubercles. Spines are of varying length, slender, and may be closely appressed or spread outward. Flowers are large, tubular or funnel-shaped, in various 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 upon ripening. Seeds are small, dark, rounded in shape.

Lobivia ducis-pauli 'Longispina' is a low-growing cactus with a spherical or slightly elongated dark green stem up to 7 cm (2.8 in) in diameter. The surface is divided into numerous straight ribs formed by sharp tubercles. Areoles are oblong, bearing dense clusters of long radial spines, white or yellowish-gray, and 1-4 darker central spines, often hooked. The variety 'longispina' is distinguished by particularly long spines that give the plant a spiny and expressive appearance.

Flowering occurs in spring or early summer. Flowers are large, widely opened, tubular, bright red or red-orange, with yellow stamens and glossy petals. They are situated singly or in small clusters near the top of the stem. Fruits are oval, green or reddish, containing small dark seeds.

Seeds are sown on the surface of a moist, well-drained substrate consisting of sand, perlite, and fine gravel grit. 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.

Sprouts appear in 5-14 days. The maximum germination period is up to 25 days. Pricking out is performed when the first spines appear. Seedlings are potted into individual containers and adapted to brighter light gradually.

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Lobivia is well suited for indoor culture. It is placed in a bright location with access to direct sunlight in the afternoon. 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, after the substrate dries out completely. In winter, watering is virtually eliminated.

A mineral substrate with the addition of sand and fine brick chips is used. Repotting is carried out in spring as needed. Pots are chosen shallow, with mandatory drainage. During the summer, cactus fertilizer feedings are applied once every 3-4 weeks. Fertilizers with elevated nitrogen content are not used. Feedings cease in autumn.

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