Matucana madisoniorum

Globose cactus, nearly nude, matte lime-green to grey-green in the sun. Showy salmon flower attracts humming birds. Usually solitary.
Matucana madisoniorum
height 6–14
width 4–6ft
tolerates Drought, Heat, Pots, Wind
water
needs
Low
water
info
Most cactus are from the deserts of the world and as such like to go totally bone dry between waterings, making them very low-maintenance. If you see your cactus begin to shrivel or lose firmness, your cactus is likely totally dry and should be watered. To get good healthy growth your plant doesn’t want to sit around totally dried out during it’s growing season. Once it is dry, water it.

This cactus comes from an area with summer rainfall and is actively growing during that time, when it is forgiving of overwatering errors. During winter dormancy it should be kept extra dry and won’t tolerate overwatering.

Remember that if kept in a small pot your plant will want more frequent watering.
hardy
to
30F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor
Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin E Peru
california
native
No

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

The spines of this cactus are not dangerous and can be easily tugged off to create a completely smooth cactus that looks like a jade orb.

Special Interest

There is a pink flowering form but it is very uncommon.