Cactus Matucana Madisoniorum

The genus of matucana is not one of the best-known genera that exist, and this certainly makes them special. Today I present the Matucana madisoniorum. It begins as a round, small grey-green cactus that is elongated as the years pass. Over time, it can measure between fifteen and twenty centimeters in height.

The spikes are dark, flexible and with a degree of curvature. They usually come together from five to five, but if there is an incident factor, the points can be solitary or even non-existent. The flowers are very colorful, tubular and are usually white, orange or red, which is the most common color. It’s time to bloom is between spring and summer. It is important to note that the cold does not hold, the minimum optimal temperature where it can be exposed without suffering problems, is twelve degrees positive.

If you have it in a place where the minimum temperature is lower than zero degrees, you have to provide them with some shelter, such as putting a plastic to protect them from cold and a black or green umbrella in summer if the maximum temperatures are very high and therefore the sun is very hot, to prevent burns and as a result the cactus dies.

Irrigation periods must also be taken into account. In early spring, as the temperature is still somewhat unstable, it is desirable to irrigate once a month. So, as the temperatures rise and we get closer to summer, once every fortnight, making sure that the substrate is completely dry. When the cold begins, in mid-autumn and winter, the water supply must be completely withdrawn and resumed the following spring.

Finally, I would also like to point out that another factor that can lead to death is, as in almost all cactus species, excess water. So, I repeat again, that it is crucial that the substrate is completely dry before irrigating again.