Cintia knizei

Introducing the Cintia knizei, a rare cactus plant that belongs to the family Asparagaceae.  Cintia, discovered in 1996, is a recent cactus species with large, tuberous roots that barely rise above the ground. It is similar in appearance to Copiapoa or Eriosyce but is widely accepted as rare. However, some have lumped it under the genus Rebutia, a treatment used in The New Cactus Lexicon, which has been criticized. Cintia bears yellow flowers from new areoles at the top of the plant, similar to Copiapoa.   Depending on the season, amount of sun, and water, the stems' color can change from olive-green to purple or brown. The roots resemble carrots and can reach a length of 4 inches. Sunken between the tubercles, the areoles are fuzzy and lack spines. The globose stem can grow up to 2 inches in diameter and are usually solitary, but they can also produce offsets or "pups" over time.  It makes a great addition to a rock garden or container and looks great mixed in with low-growing flowering plants like yuccas and agaves.  The Cintia Kinzei have a thick taproot and are of difficult cultivation and rot-prone because of great sensitivity to the excess of watering, It is not easy to get to any large size on their own roots really a challenge to grow into a large clump. In order to prevent root issues and facilitate growth, they are frequently grafted.  The flowers of the Cintia knizei bloom in the spring or summer with delicate, star-shaped flowers on long stalks that rise above the rosettes. The flowers are usually pale pink or lavender in color, and they add a lovely contrast to the silver-gray leaves.   When it comes to care, Cintia knizei is a relatively low-maintenance cactus plant. It is suited for sunny-brightly exposure, can tolerate partial shade, and prefers well-drained cactus soil. Like most succulents, it's important not to overwater your cactus plant. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. This Cintia knizei cactus can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it's best to keep it in a warm environment, ideally between 65°F to 80°F.  When grown indoors, Cintia knizei can be kept as a potted plant or included in succulent arrangements. It can also be grown outdoors in regions with a mild climate. You can grow it outdoors in USDA zones 9 to 11. However, it's always a good idea to provide some protection in extremely cold temperatures to prevent frost damage.  For humidity, your Cintia knizei is suited for airy exposures. To accommodate its tap root, it requires a deep pot with good drainage.  It is very cold-resistant as low as 14° F or less for short periods of time. Give this Cintia knizei cactus a try if you're looking for an easy plant to care for!