Description
Uebelmannia pectinifera ssp. flavispina v. longispina n.n. is an undescribed name used commercially to indicate one of the local forms or varieties of Uebelmannia pectinifera ssp. flavispina, which is a solitary cactus globular or slightly elongated up to 50 cm tall and 10-15 cm wide, with closely set amber yellow spines, neatly arranged, straight, that give a comb-like effect. The morphological or geographical form labelled Uebelmannia pectinifera ssp. flavispina v. longispina is distinguished longer and thicker spines. It has been found by the commercial collector Leopoldo Horst in 1988 who spread it under no. HU 856. Uebelmannia pectinifera ssp. flavispina v. longispina should be included within (as a synonym of) Uebelmannia pectinifera ssp. flavispina, suggesting that there is not really a fundamental difference between the two.
Origin and Habitat
Uebelmannia pectinifera ssp. flavispina v. longispina (Field number: HU 856) is found at Guinda, Minas Gerais, Brazil just a few km from the habitat of Uebelmannia pectinifera ssp. flavispina at West of Diamantina, Barao de Quacui, Minas Gerais, Brazil (Field number: HU 361).
Cultivation and Propagation
This tropical cactus loves warm moist, humid conditions and mist spraying is a must in summer. Water regularly during the growing season and use a very draining mineral potting substrate. At the onset of winter, do not water. Uebelmannias need heat all year round and extra winter heat, minimum 10C is best. Avoid any frost. Keep cool in summer. This plant prove to be root prone if kept too cold in winter. To help stop this, a good deep collar of pumice or lava grit is an excellent idea. It prefers a position in full sun, and possibly afternoon shade in summer. If you can place it so that this occurs, the plant will be much happier.
Propagation: Seeds, but plants are often grafted, making them easier to grow, particularly through the winter. If possible using a rootstock that is more hardy than the Uebelmannia is ideal.