Blossfeldia

In addition to being the smallest, Blossfeldia is also the strangest of cacti, since its life cycle takes place similarly to that of lichens, remaining dormant for years apparently completely dehydrated, to then come back to life, grow and multiply with the return of availability of water. Blossfeldia colonize rock cracks on cliffs in Bolivia and Argentina.

Very small plants (about 2 cm - 08 in) in diameter) spherical-depressed or flattened like small coins. Initially single, they cluster with age. Their roots are superficial, fleshy, but shallow. The flowers are small white or ivory bells, followed by a few millimeters berry that tears at the slightest touch to disperse numerous microscopic seeds.

Commonly these plants have been spread in cultivation only grafted, which inexorably deforms their shape. Once grown on their roots they are very hardy, but must be kept out of direct sunlight in purely mineral substrates. The absorption of water also takes place by the thin epidermis, for which nebulisations are preferable to watering.

	GROWING MEDIUM Mixture exclusively mineral of lapillus and pumice or natural soils.
	EXPOSURE Keep always in a sun-protected location (min. 50% shade).
	COLD TOLERANCE Freezing winter temperature with night low below 0 °C (32 °F).

GROWING MEDIUM

Mixture exclusively mineral of lapillus and pumice or natural soils.

EXPOSURE

Keep always in a sun-protected location (min. 50% shade).

COLD TOLERANCE

Freezing winter temperature with night low below 0 °C (32 °F).

	WATERING Water moderately waiting for the soil to dry.
	GROWING SEASON A summer cycle with growth from March to September.
	NUTRITION Fertilization low in nitrogen with NPK titre similar to 8:16:32.