Publication: Repert. Pl. Succ. (I.O.S.) 47: 11 (1996 publ. 1997): Cact. File, 10(2): 18 (1996)
Description
Rebutia christinae is a clumping cactus, with tiny stems.
Stem: Tiny, depressed-spherical to oblong up to 5 cm wide (but usually more in cultivation)
Ribs: 10 to 12, low, often spiralled and tubercled.
Roots: Thick and long tap-root.
Spines: About 8 acicular, bristle-like pale yellow-brown up to 4 mm long.
Areoles: Gold
Flowers: From the side at the base of the plant, short, erect, funnel-shaped, in shades of intensive orange. Outer tepals oblong, apiculate; inner tepals rounded.
Origin and Habitat
Tarija, Bolivia.
Habitat: Rebutia christinae grows on high mountains.
Cultivation and Propagation
Full sun to light shade, Water regularly in summer but do not overwater (the root system is rot prone) Keep dry in winter Hardy to -4°C.
It is better that they are repotted regularly. Repotting will increase the number and size of stems and will increase the number of flowers produced. Repot yearly until reaching about 100mm in size, then every two or three years will suffice. Repotting is best done at the end of winter but can be done at other times. Do not water for a couple of weeks after repotting to reduce risk of root rot via broken roots.
Propagation: Offsets, seeds
