Pterocactus tuberosus
A cactus to 40cm tall, producing fragile, grey-green, cylindrical stems from a tuberous rootstock. Whitish spines arise from grey areoles and lie flat against the stems. Showy, pale yellow, sometimes copper-tinged flowers are produced in early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Yellow Brown | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Argentina
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in standard cactus compost with full light. From spring to late summer, water moderately and apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser every 4 or 5 weeks; keep almost dry at all other times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed or stem cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to root and stem rots if overwatered
Get involved
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