Lobivia CALORUBRA

Lobivia CALORUBRA - Red-flowered lobivia, Fiery red lobivia, Lobivia calorubra, Echinopsis.

Lobivia is a genus of cacti in the cactus 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 globose or flattened cacti. The stem surface is green or grey-green, with distinct ribs divided into tubercles. Spines are of various lengths, slender, and can press tightly or spread to the sides. Flowers are large, tubular or funnel-shaped, in a variety of shades, often bright and contrasting.

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

Red-flowered lobivia is a miniature cactus with a globose or slightly flattened stem up to 7-9 cm (2.8-3.5 in) in diameter. The ribs are low, divided into tubercles, and areoles are light, with whitish radial spines up to 1.5 cm (0.6 in) long. The central spine is solitary, rigid, and dark.

It blooms profusely in the warm season. Flowers are bright red with an orange or raspberry tint, funnel-shaped, up to 6 cm (2.4 in) in diameter, with a contrasting center. They are located closer to the middle of the stem. Fruits are small, green or brownish, dehiscing upon ripening. Seeds are black, rounded, glossy.

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

Seedlings appear in 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 in individual containers and adapt to brighter light gradually.

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Lobivia is suitable for indoor culture. It is placed in a bright spot with access to direct sun in the afternoon. In spring, gradual acclimation to bright light is recommended to prevent sunburn.

The temperature during the growing period is maintained within 20-28 °C (68-82 °F), and in winter 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 practically eliminated.

A mineral substrate with the addition of sand and a fine fraction of brick chips is used. Repotting is carried out in spring as necessary. Shallow pots are selected, with mandatory drainage. During summer, fertilizer for cacti is applied once every 3-4 weeks. Fertilizers with high nitrogen content are not used. Feeding ceases in autumn.

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