CHAMAECEREUS

Habitat: Northern Argentina, sub-Andean mountain ranges.
Description: this genus tends to develop large clusters of stems 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) long; they bear numerous red flowers in late summer. A very popular plant also known as ‘peanut cactus’.
Soil: fertile mix.
Location: grow in full sun.
Temperature: they can be grown outside all year round in mild areas provided the temperature does not drop below 2°C (36°F) and they’re sheltered from rain.
Water: water generously during the growth period and do not let the soil become bone dry between two waterings. During the winter, water sparingly just as much as to avoid withering.
Cultivation tips: they’re self-incompatible and may be crossed with Lobivia. Ideal containers are shallow and large pots that encourage the plant to produce offsets. Feed with fertilizer once a month from early spring until the end of the flowering period; prone to spider mite and mealy bug (also root mealy bug) but it should not be treated with mineral oil based insecticides.
It’s very easy to propagate from cuttings.
Main species: C. silvestri syn. Lobivia s., enjoys full sun and plenty of ventilation.