Family: Cactaceae
Habitat: Hills of New Mexico
Cultivation: In greenhouse cultivate in standard soil for cactus, in full light. Outdoors cultivate in moderately fertile soil, very well drained, preferably alkaline, in the sun.
Curiosity: Despite the very different appearance, it is closely related to the Ferocactus. From the intersection of the two genera, hybrids are named Ferobergia. It also fits easily with the Astrophytum; Hybrids in this case are called Astrobergia.

LEUCHTEMBERGIA KEY FEATURES

Originated in New Mexico’s desert and hilly soils, Leuchtenbergia’s plants are perennial cacti with tuberous, robust, twisted rhizomes. The stem is short and cylindrical, while the peculiarity of this species is the leaves: long, triangular section, remember those of the agave. They have green blue color and are 10/12 cm long. The large gray areas carry a dozen radial thorns, long up to a couple of centimeters, and one or two centimeters, up to 15 cm long.

Usually the stem is alone, but sometimes this kind of cactus branches to the base. The flowers are funnel-shaped and bloom from summer to autumn; They are diurnal, scented, bright yellow and up to 8 cm long. Leuchtembergia can reach a height of 60 cm, with a maximum width of 30 cm.

VARIETIES AND TYPES

The Leuchtenbergia genus consists of a single species, L. principis.

TIPS FOR CULTIVATION

Here are our tips for cultivating:

• EXPOSURE: Always cultivate in full light, whether the plant grows in a greenhouse or outdoors.
• TEMPERATURE: It is afraid of the If the outside temperatures drop below 10 ° C, it is recommended to move it to a sheltered location.
• WATERING: Mid-spring to autumn moderate water. Suspend completely the watering in other periods, allowing the plant the right vegetative rest.
• SOIL: Cultivate in moderately fertile soil, very well drained, preferably alkaline.
• CONCIMATION: You can use a standard fertilizer for cactacea, only during the vegetative period (spring and summer).
• REPOTTING: For the repotting, use a vessel suitable for the size of the plant and deep enough to allow the right development of the robust rooting.

The multiplication of Leuchtembergia can take place by seed, by radical pollen (when present: not always developing) or by cuttings of a tubercle. The latest technique is recommended only to the most experienced growers.