Lobivia PENTLANDII

Lobivia PENTLANDII - Pentland's Lobivia, Lara's Lobivia, Echinopsis, Lobivia LARAE, Echinopsis, Cereus.

Lobivia is a genus of cacti in the Cactaceae family, 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 retained as a horticultural name.

The genus is represented by compact, predominantly globose or flattened cacti. The stem surface is green or greyish-green, with distinct ribs divided into tubercles. Spines are of varying lengths, thin, and can press tightly or spread outwards. Flowers are large, tubular or funnel-shaped, in various 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, and often split open after ripening. Seeds are small, dark, and rounded in shape.

Lobivia PENTLANDII has a greyish-green, matte, globose, somewhat flattened stem 4-6 cm (1.6-2.4 in) in diameter, with a bare apex. Ribs, numbering 5-13, are low, with areoles set far apart from each other. Radial spines (4-7) are black with a red base, lightening over time, rigid, awl-shaped, 1-2 cm (0.4-0.8 in) long.

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.

Seedlings emerge in 5-14 days. The maximum germination period is up to 25 days. Pricking out is carried out 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 spot with access to direct sun in the second half of the day. In spring, gradual acclimation to bright light is recommended to prevent burns.

The temperature during the growth period 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 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. Shallow pots are selected, with mandatory drainage. During summer, cactus fertilizers are applied once every 3-4 weeks. Fertilizers with high nitrogen content are not used. Feeding is discontinued in autumn.

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