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Habitat:
South
America: southern
Brazil, northern Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina; regions characterized by
heavy, erratic downpours.
Description: a group of small, spherical cacti, not exceeding 3-4 cm
(1-1.5 in) in width and 6-7 cm (2.5-3 in) in height, that often form clumps.
The spines are thin and short and the diurnal flowers appear in the summer;
these may sometimes remain closed, yet seeds are still produced by
self-pollination (cleistogamy).
Soil: clayey, sandy, free-draining soil with small amounts of humus
and an acidic pH.
Location: grow in partial shade. Full sun is better when the plant is
in flower.
Temperature: minimum temperature of 6-8°C (43-46°F).
Water: water thoroughly from time to time during the warmer months
adding some fertilizer; water spray mist is also beneficial. As for their
period of rest, follow the instructions you find in ‘cultivation tips’. It
is extremely important that you use rainwater instead of tap
water.
Cultivation tips: raise from fresh seeds; it is fast-growing. They’re
best grown in clay pots placed in plastic containers filled with wet sand,
so that the roots are kept constantly moist; this is paramount in the
wintertime.
Main species: F. castanea = asteroides: it can be
grafted and enjoys a warm site in indirect light; F. pygmaea; F.
aureispina; F. fulviseta; F. fulvolanata; F. gracillima; F. grahliana;
F. horstii; F. magnifica; F. phaeodisca; F. pumila.
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