Notocactus ottonis (Lehm.) A.Berger

🌱 Morphology

Globose cactus, initially solitary, which can form small groups with age. The stem is deep green or bluish-green, somewhat depressed at the apex, and reaches approximately 5–11 cm in diameter. It has between 8 and 14 rounded ribs, with woolly areoles in the apical area. It develops numerous fine radial spines and between 1 and 4 central spines, which are sturdier and longer. In the ‘Rubispinus’ selection, the reddish or brownish-red tones of the spines stand out, especially the central ones.

🌍 Distribution, habitat and family

Native to southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. It grows in grasslands, open fields and rocky outcrops, on various soils, from sandy to slightly humic, in environments with relatively evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year.

Family: Cactaceae · Subfamily: Cactoideae · Tribe: Notocacteae.

❄️ Temperature — USDA Zone 9a

It tolerates minimum temperatures of approximately −6.7 °C if it remains completely dry and the frost is brief. It is one of the relatively cold-hardy notocacti, although it is advisable to avoid the combination of low temperatures and moisture in the roots.

☀️ Lighting

It needs abundant light and tolerates direct sun, with gradual acclimatization. Light exposure promotes the development of compact spines and accentuates the reddish tones. It can also be grown in filtered sun during the hours of highest summer intensity.

💧 Growth cycle and watering

Winter dormancy. Its growth occurs mainly during spring and summer. It is recommended to water thoroughly during the active period and let the substrate dry out between waterings. In winter, water intake should be greatly reduced, keeping it dry when temperatures are low.

🌸 Flowering

It produces large flowers, about 4–6 cm in diameter, bright yellow, with numerous petals and a dark red or purple stigma. They emerge near the apex and open during the day, mainly from late spring through summer.

🌿 Nutrition

During the active growth period, a fertilizer with a high content of assimilable calcium and low levels of nitrogen is recommended, such as Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae, applied once a month when watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering.

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi.

S → 9 cm × 9 cm

As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the sent specimen may vary slightly from the product image. The description in the photo specifies the measurements of the plant, although they may also vary slightly because it is a living being! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.