Rebutia pygmaea

RHS Plant Profile
pygmy crown cactus

Synonyms

Echinopsis pygmaea
Mediolobivia haagei var. nazarenoensis
Rebutia rutiliflora
Rebutia nazarenoensis
Rebutia pygmaea var. gracillispina
Rebutia nigricans
Rebutia nigricans var. carmeniana
Lobivia pygmaea var. gavazzii
Rebutia pygmaea var. gavazzi

Award of Garden Merit
Cactus Succulent Houseplants

A small, clustering cactus forming a low mound of cylindrical, dark green stems to 4cm tall. The spines are short, white and bristly. In late spring it produces pale to bright orange flowers in a ring around the base of the stem

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0-0.1 metre
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or 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
Clump forming
Genus
Rebutia can be solitary or clustering cacti, with globose or shortly cylindrical, ribbed or tuberculate stems, and showy funnel-shaped flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Bolivia, Argentina

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in standard cactus compost in full sun with good ventilation. Water moderately when in growth and apply a specialist liquid cacti feed monthly; keep almost completely dry at other times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed at 21°C in early spring; separate offsets in spring or summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to root and stem rots in wet conditions