About
Matucana intertexta is a compact, globose to short-cylindrical cactus to 15 cm with 14�18 warty, sometimes spiralling ribs. From spring to early summer it produces funnel-shaped, orange flowers to 7 cm long. A rewarding and ornamental cactus for a sunny greenhouse bench.
About the genus
Matucana are cacti with solitary or clustering, ribbed, spiny, globose to cylindrical stems and showy, funnel-shaped flowers in vivid shades of orange, red or yellow in spring and summer. Grown on a sunny greenhouse bench.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Houseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Sub-tropical, Patio and container plants
Native toPeru
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in a mix of 4 parts cactus compost to 1 part limestone chippings, in full light. From springh to summer water freely, apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep dry at other times. See cactus and succulent cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 21°C in spring and summer, separate offsets in spring and summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free