Happy Urban Dirt

If you like cacti, you’ve probably heard of Matucana madisoniorum. You may even have it in your collection as it is one of the most popular and can be found in normal and variegated versions.

But what do you know about him? What about the care he needs? Then we’ll give you all the keys so you can look at it with novel eyes and know how to take care of it the way you need it.

How’s Matucana madisoniorum?

The cactus Matucana madisoniorum comes from Peru, specifically the Peruvian Amazon. In its natural environment, it grows alone and is very rarely seen in groups with other cacti of the same species.

Visually you will find a spherical cactus (in the shape of a flattened ball). It is a grey-green color. The ones you find in stores usually have this shape, but over the years it grows and there will come a time when it will be about six inches elevated. It will retain its spherical shape, but it will not be as perfect as you see it now.

In addition to its shape, it has seven to twelve ribs. They are flat but wide. And it will have a number of bumps in its areolae. Additionally, it has thorns. They are usually dim, between brown and black, very versatile and curved (at least when growing, they become demanding).. There will be about five of them in each areola. However, don’t be surprised to see it in stores without them, as this is common.

If you’re lucky, you’ll see it blooming in spring or summer as well. These flowers are born from the cactus itself (usually from the upper part, from the areoles themselves) and will give rise to a tubular flower that may be orange, white or red. They will be four to five centimeters in diameter, and behind them will very likely be fruits , which they will be half the size of the flowers, or about two centimeters.

Caring for Matucana Madisons

Now that you know the Matucana madisoniorum cactus a little better, Maybe we can talk to you about care? If you have one, you will be able to check whether you are really taking good care of it; and if you don’t have it, you can always know what you’ll need to feel good.

location and temperature

Like all cacti, the ideal location is outdoors as it needs several hours of direct sunlight. Of course, you cannot expose it to the sun immediately after purchasing it, because this is the stupidest way to lose it. You have to get used to the climate and sun. After about seven or fifteen days it can be exposed to full sun and there will be no problem. During this time, you need to get used to one or two hours of sun in the morning or tardy afternoon. And augment this time every two days. Now be careful because if the sun is quite sturdy where you live, it will be better to place it in the shade or partial shade.

We do not recommend indoor utilize unless you have special lighting for plant growth.

As for the temperature, the ideal is for it not to fall below 12°C. If there are more, no problem, because we are talking about cacti that tolerate high temperatures well.

Subsoil

It is normal to keep this cactus in a pot, although you can plant it in your garden (but due to its miniature size it will not be worth it unless you build a cactus garden).

The soil you will need must be sandy, lightweight and have drainage. For this reason, we recommend making a mixture with pumice or with akadama and kiryuzuna. Another option, cheaper than the previous ones, can be cactus soil with the addition of gravel or even miniature stones. The goal is to make the soil loose and provide plenty of room for the roots to breathe and to prevent water from collecting.

The transplant is always carried out in spring, but when it turns out that the cactus is already too huge for the pot it has.

Irrigation

When it comes to watering, we’re talking about a cactus, which means you’ll have to water and wait for the soil to dehydrated out. It is generally accepted that in spring and summer you should water once or twice a week, and in autumn – once every three weeks or a month.

Watering is not recommended in winter.

If you’re not sure when to water, remember that for cacti, it’s better to water infrequently and occasionally rather than spend time watering them.

Subscriber

Although you don’t need a subscriber, the truth is that it doesn’t hurt to apply a little mineral fertilizer in spring. Only on this occasion.

But as we tell you, it’s not that it’s necessary, it’s just a contribution that will lend a hand you see it flourish.

pruning

Matucana madisoniorum, as a cactus, does not require pruning. But many choose to remove the thorns to make them more attractive and Enjoy peachy skin without any accidents.

Of course, by removing the thorns, you may cause insects and other animals to damage the surface of the cactus.

Plagues and diseases

When it comes to pests, hairy mealybugs are probably the ones that can cause the most damage. But in general, cacti are not affected much.

Indeed, There is a disease you need to keep at bay: excess moisture. If you water a lot or there is high ambient humidity where you live, it will weaken the plant’s roots.

Multiplication

Finally, when it comes to reproducing Matucana madisoniorum, you should know that it is done through the seeds it produces during flowering. You can sow them in spring and wait until they grow. And this is because it is not a fast-growing plant; on the contrary.

Generally, caring for Matucana madisoniorum is not hard. Also remember that in many cases the thorns can be cut off. In fact, you can often find them in stores or second-hand, with the spines cut off. They will grow back, but this way they will be visually more lovely. What do you think?