About
Rebutia mentosa is a cactus with solitary, shortly cylindrical stems to 10cm tall, with long yellow-brown central spines, comb-like yellow radial spines and magenta-purple flowers 3.5cm across.
About the genus
Rebutia can be solitary or clustering cacti, with globose or shortly cylindrical, ribbed or tuberculate stems, and showy funnel-shaped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toBolivia
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in standard cactus compost in full light with low humidity. From spring to summer, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 3 or 4 times; keep completely dry at other times
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed at 21°C (70°F) in early spring, or remove offsets in spring or summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs early in the season
Disease resistanceRelatively disease resistant