Matucana aurantiaca

RHS Plant Profile
orange matucana
orange matucana RHS

Synonyms

Matucana calvescens
Borzicactus aurantiacus

Award of Garden Merit
Conservatory Greenhouse Cactus Succulent Houseplants

A cactus forming a cluster of squat, globose stems to 15cm tall, the ribs with red-brown central spines to 4.5cm and shorter radials; orange-red funnel-shaped flowers to 9cm long

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Matucana are cacti with solitary or clustered, ribbed, spiny stems that may be globose or cylindrical, and have funnel-shaped flowers in a range of colours
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Peru

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in standard cactus compost in full light with low humidity. Water moderately from mid spring to early autumn, applying a dilute liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep dry at other times

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 19-24°C (66-75°F) in spring or summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

mealybugs may be a problem

Diseases

Relatively disease resistant