Rebutia

Description

Rebutia is a genus of cactus plants native to South America. These plants are known for their small, ball-shaped bodies and brightly colored flowers. They are popular among collectors and are commonly grown as houseplants. Rebutia plants are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions, making them a great choice for beginners.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Rebutia plants are small, usually growing only a few inches tall and wide. They have round or oval-shaped bodies covered in spines. The spines can be white, black, or various shades of brown. The flowers of the Rebutia are its most striking feature, with bright colors like red, pink, orange, yellow, and purple. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and can grow up to an inch wide. Rebutia plants are slow-growing, but they can produce flowers multiple times a year.

Care Guide

Water: Rebutia plants should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important not to let the soil stay wet for too long.

Fertilization: Rebutia plants should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a cactus fertilizer.

Soil: Rebutia plants prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Use a cactus potting mix or add sand or perlite to regular potting soil to improve drainage.

Sunlight: Rebutia plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. They can handle some direct sunlight, but too much can burn their leaves.

Hardiness Zones: Rebutia plants are hardy in USDA zones 9-11, but can be grown indoors in any climate.

Common Pests & Diseases

Rebutia plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can still be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be prevented by using well-draining soil and letting the soil dry out between waterings.

Habitat

Rebutia plants are native to the high elevations of South America, including Bolivia and Argentina. They grow in rocky, well-draining soil and are adapted to survive in harsh conditions like drought and high winds.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I water my Rebutia plant?
A: Water your Rebutia plant when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Q: Can Rebutia plants be grown outdoors?
A: Rebutia plants are hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can be grown outdoors in the right conditions.

Q: What kind of soil do Rebutia plants prefer?
A: Rebutia plants prefer well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Use a cactus potting mix or add sand or perlite to regular potting soil to improve drainage.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Rebutia plant?
A: Rebutia plants should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a cactus fertilizer.

Related Plants

• Aylostera
• Chamaecereus
• Cintia
• Gymnocalycium
• Sulcorebutia

References

• “Rebutia.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Oct. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebutia.
• Anderson, Miles. “Rebutia Cactus Care: How to Grow Rebutia Cacti.” Smart Garden Guide, Smart Garden Guide, 9 Apr. 2021, smartgardenguide.com/rebutia-cactus-care/.
• “Rebutia.” CactiGuide.com, CactiGuide.com, cactiguide.com/cactus/?genus=Rebutia.