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Neoporteria cachitaensis violet

Botanical Name — Neoporteria cachitaensis violet

Plant Family — Cactaceae


Background


This collector’s cactus has roots in Cachita, Chile. Known for its deep green, almost purple trunk, it loves tons of light, great ventilation, and very little water.

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Growth Requirements


Sun

  • Give Neoporteria cachitaensis violet plenty of full sun. Eight hours or more of direct sunlight a day is ideal but at a minimum these plants should be provided with at least five hours. 
  • If you are growing them indoors, a south-facing windowsill is ideal. 

Temperature/ Humidity 

  • These cacti thrive in warm temperatures and low humidity. They will thrive in temperatures above 70 ºF. 
  • They are cold intolerant. Move them inside when temperatures drop below 40 ºF.

Water

  • Neoporteria cachitaensis violet are extremely drought tolerant. Always allow the soil to dry out completely in between waterings. When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly.
  • If you are unsure whether or not the soil is dry, wait a few days before watering. It is much better to underwater than over water. Excessive moisture can quickly lead to root rot.
  • Water less frequently in the winter, every month to month and a half.

Soil/Roots

  • These plants prefer a gritty, sharply draining mix. Use cactus soil or amend regular potting mix with sand and fine pumice up to 50% to improve texture and drainage. We don’t want this soil to retain water.
  • In desert climates these plants can be potted directly in the earth and grown outdoors year round. 

Flowering

  • During the warm season Neoporteria cachitaensis violet may produce a cluster of pink flowers at the crown.

Fertilization

  • Neoporteria cachitaensis violet thrive in poor soils. Fertilization is not required but a limited application could boost growth in the summer months.  
  • Feed once during the growing season with cacti and succulent fertilizer. Dilute twice as much as the bottle suggests. 

Propagation

  • These plants are typically propagated from seeds. 
  • Grafting is an option for keeping plants alive that have been infected by root rot. Use a clean, sharp blade to sever the infected potion of the trunk. Place the freshly cut trunk on a freshly-cut stalk cactus. Secure with rubber bands and allow the two cacti to fuse together.

Health


Diseases

  • Keep an eye out for red spiders and mealy bugs, both of which can be rubbed off or treated with diluted neem oil.
  • Root rot can easily occur if the plant is overwatered, kept in a poorly aerated space, or not provided proper drainage.

Maintenance (pruning, legginess, repotting)

  • These hardy plants require very little maintenance. Container grown cacti prefer to be rootbound, so repotting should be necessary only once every two years. Repot into a planter 2” larger in diameter to give the plant plenty of room to continue growing. 

Toxicity


  • Neoporteria cachitaensis violet have no known toxicity to humans or animals. Spines are sharp so it is advisable to keep out of reach of pets and small children. 
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