Neoporteria cachitaensis violet

Botanical Name — Neoporteria cachitaensis violet

Plant Family — Cactaceae

Background

This collector’s cactus has roots in Cachita, Chile. Known for its deep green, almost purple trunk, it loves tons of light, great ventilation, and very little water.

Take One Home

Growth Requirements

Sun

• Give Neoporteria cachitaensis violet plenty of full sun. Eight hours or more of direct sunlight a day is ideal but at a minimum these plants should be provided with at least five hours. 
• If you are growing them indoors, a south-facing windowsill is ideal. 

Temperature/ Humidity 

• These cacti thrive in warm temperatures and low humidity. They will thrive in temperatures above 70 ºF. 
• They are cold intolerant. Move them inside when temperatures drop below 40 ºF.

Water

• Neoporteria cachitaensis violet are extremely drought tolerant. Always allow the soil to dry out completely in between waterings. When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly.
• If you are unsure whether or not the soil is dry, wait a few days before watering. It is much better to underwater than over water. Excessive moisture can quickly lead to root rot.
• Water less frequently in the winter, every month to month and a half.

Soil/Roots

• These plants prefer a gritty, sharply draining mix. Use cactus soil or amend regular potting mix with sand and fine pumice up to 50% to improve texture and drainage. We don’t want this soil to retain water.
• In desert climates these plants can be potted directly in the earth and grown outdoors year round. 

Flowering

• During the warm season Neoporteria cachitaensis violet may produce a cluster of pink flowers at the crown.

Fertilization

• Neoporteria cachitaensis violet thrive in poor soils. Fertilization is not required but a limited application could boost growth in the summer months.  
• Feed once during the growing season with cacti and succulent fertilizer. Dilute twice as much as the bottle suggests. 

Propagation

• These plants are typically propagated from seeds. 
• Grafting is an option for keeping plants alive that have been infected by root rot. Use a clean, sharp blade to sever the infected potion of the trunk. Place the freshly cut trunk on a freshly-cut stalk cactus. Secure with rubber bands and allow the two cacti to fuse together.

Health

Diseases

• Keep an eye out for red spiders and mealy bugs, both of which can be rubbed off or treated with diluted neem oil.
• Root rot can easily occur if the plant is overwatered, kept in a poorly aerated space, or not provided proper drainage.

Maintenance (pruning, legginess, repotting)

• These hardy plants require very little maintenance. Container grown cacti prefer to be rootbound, so repotting should be necessary only once every two years. Repot into a planter 2” larger in diameter to give the plant plenty of room to continue growing. 

Toxicity

• Neoporteria cachitaensis violet have no known toxicity to humans or animals. Spines are sharp so it is advisable to keep out of reach of pets and small children.