Looking for a cute and tiny addition to your cactus appeal ? Get ready to be amazed by the Blossfeldia liliputana – the world ’s modest cactus species ! This adorable little guy maxes out around 1/2 an column inch marvellous , making it a thoroughgoing mini plant for those with modified space .
But do n’t get its bantam size fool you – the Blossfeldia carry a big punch of personality . With its round pattern covered in snowy dots and beautiful white or pink blooms in summer , it ’s an eye - catch miniature wonder . No wonder its name comes from the fictitious bantam people in the classic record book Gulliver ’s travel !
If you ’re imagining how cute this midget cactus would look on your windowsill , keep interpret . This attention guide has all the tips to keep your little Blossfeldia liliputana healthy and happy .
Contents
About Blossfeldia liliputana
Native to the Andes mountains of northwesterly Argentina and southern Bolivia , the Blossfeldia liliputana grows at elevations between 3,900 - 11,500 feet . In its natural habitat , it nestles in rock crevices and near waterfalls .
Despite its petite size , this cactus is tough and hardy . It ’s spineless with no rib , just a pear-shaped build covered in white superman that help with camouflage . Every summer it rewards growers with light upon white or pinkish funnel - shaped heyday .
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How to Care for Blossfeldia liliputana
Light Requirements
The Blossfeldia require about 6 - 8 hour of direct sun per sidereal day , or bright indirect lightness . In lower light , it wo n’t bloom as vibrantly . Agrow lightis ideal if you ca n’t provide enough natural sunlight .
Make certain to bit by bit introduce more light if using a grow light . Start with just 2 - 3 hour per day , increasing the duration over 2 - 3 weeks until reaching the desired 6 - 8 60 minutes utmost .
Watering
As a desert flora , Blossfeldia lilliputana likes infrequent but deep waterings . From outpouring through spill , grant the soil to in full dry out between waterings .
When the top inch of soil is juiceless , soak the soil thoroughly until piss runs out the drainage holes . Then do n’t irrigate again until the grunge is completely dry .
In winter when the plant is dormant , keep it entirely dry , watering just once if the cactus starts shriveling .
Always avoid getting wet on the body which can have pock orrot .
Soil
institute your Blossfeldia in a very porous , well - enfeeble potting admixture . Use one part potting soil mixed with two parts sand , perlite or pumice stone .
The roots need an unfastened , airy mix that wo n’t ride out wet for long . Amend with crushed rock or wimp grit for extra drainage .
The idealistic soil pH is between 6 - 7 .
Fertilizing
fertilise your Blossfeldia once a month in springtime and summertime with a balanced melted plant food diluted to 1/4 strength . It does n’t take extra feeding in fall and wintertime .
When repotting in spring , you’re able to top crop the soil with a light sprinkling ofslow - liberation cactus plant food .
Too much fertilizer will make the flora to get too tight and may combust the etymon .
Temperature
This cactus prefers modal household temperatures of 65 - 80 ° F in spring through fall . It buy the farm sleeping in wintertime when temperatures are 40 - 60 ° F .
While it can tolerate brief periods down to 25 ° farad , protect it from freeze down temperature or prolonged coldness . present your Blossfeldia to warmer or cooler temps gradually .
Pruning
Very little pruning is require for this miniature cactus . Just use clean scissor hold to bump off any dead flowers or shrivel up segments to keep it see its best .
Potting and Repotting
This cactus has a small root organization and does n’t postulate frequent repotting . utilize a well - drain cactus or succulent soil mix .
Repot every two to four years in early leap , moving up just one pile size of it . Loosen the ground around the roots and repot into a new container with refreshful mix .
Pests and Diseases
The good news is that the Blossfeldia liliputana is quite insubordinate to most pestilence and disease when in good order cared for . Providing the right soil , lighting , and tearing conditions will prevent most issues .
The main threat is rot , which can hap if the cactus is overwatered or keep in soggy soil that does n’t drain well . The planetary house are discolored splotches or mushy spots on the cactus body .
To debar rot , always apply a well - drain soil mix and do n’t let the plant posture in H2O . If rot occurs , you may need to uproot and replant in juiceless territory .
Other than rot , watch out for common houseplant pest like mealybugs or spider mites , which can be treated with insecticidal grievous bodily harm or neem petroleum .
Blossfeldia liliputana Propagation
Blossfeldia liliputana is notoriously behind - growing and challenging to propagate , requiring patience and finespun care . The two independent methods are seeds and grafting onto a stalwart cactus stock .
From Seed
Grafting
No matter which method , propagating this miniature cactus is an exercise in solitaire ! With the right care and weather condition , these midget treasures can eventually produce their signature white pom - pom blooms .
