Aylostera heliosa var. cajasensis | Cajas Aylostera
ā¬10,60
š± Morphology
Small Aylostera with a grayish-green body, initially solitary but capable of producing numerous offsets and forming compact clusters. The stems are globose to shortly cylindrical, about 2ā3 cm in diameter and up to 4 cm in height. The ribs are transformed into tiny tubercles arranged in a spiral. The areoles, brown and elongated, are densely covered by very fine, pectinate, silvery-white radial spines, about 2ā5 mm long, which are arranged like small spiders and almost completely conceal the body. It has a thick taproot.
š Distribution, habitat, and family
It is endemic to Bolivia, in the department of Tarija, especially in Cajas, Alto Cajas, and Yesera, in the province of MĆ©ndez. It inhabits slopes and rocky mountainous environments between approximately 2,500 and 2,800 m of altitude. The original population was described by Friedrich Ritter as Rebutia cajasensis and subsequently transferred to Aylostera.
Family Cactaceae Ā· Subfamily Cactoideae Ā· Tribe Cereeae Ā·
āļøĀ Temperature Ā· USDA Zone 8a
It tolerates minimum temperatures down to ā10 ĀŗC, for short periods and with the substrate completely dry. Its high-mountain origin explains its remarkable cold resistance, although the combination of cold and humidity should be avoided.
āļø Lighting
A very bright exposure is recommended, preferably in full sun, with good ventilation. In summer, it can tolerate light protection from the most intense sun. To promote compact growth and abundant flowering, an availability of 20ā30 molĀ·mā»Ā²Ā·dayā»Ā¹ of PAR DLI is recommended.
š§ Growth cycle and watering
Winter rest. During active growth, it is recommended to water abundantly and allow the substrate to dry completely before the next watering. In autumn, water is progressively reduced until it is kept dry during the winter. The taproot and high sensitivity to excess moisture make a highly draining substrate especially important. A cool and dry winter, approximately between 0 and 10 ĀŗC, favors the formation of flower buds.
šø Flowering
The flowering is spectacular in relation to the tiny size of the plant. The flowers, infundibuliform in shape, reach about 5 cm in length and 4 cm in diameter, and appear in profusion from the lower part of the stem. Their coloration ranges from dark orange to intense red, reaching scarlet tones. The main flowering takes place in spring. In cultivation, a first flowering has been documented from approximately 2 years from seed under favorable conditions.
šæ Nutrition
During active growth, Desert CHOICEĀ® CactĆ”ceas NPK (Ca-Mg) 4-4-7 (4-4) is recommended once a month together with watering. Assimilable calcium promotes the formation of firm tissues and the maintenance of turgidity, while magnesium participates in chlorophyll synthesis. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICEĀ® FloraciĆ³n.
šŖ“ Pot
9x9 cm gourmet black pot
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.
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*It must spend a period in the cold to flower abundantly. It is common to find it grafted. It is a mountain cactus that needs a lot of light.
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