Uebelmannia pseudopectinifera

Uebelmannia pectinifera var. pseudopectinifera is a more or less distinct local form of the variable Uebelmannia pectinifera. It has a significantly different appearance, is smaller than the type and the epidermis is greener with a thinner wax coating, but is the separate (not confluent) areoles with not brush-like spines, that are most characteristic. The stems is globular, fusiform or cylindrical and is reported to grow to as much as 80 cm tall and 10-15 cm wide. However the distinguishing characteristics of var. pseudopectinifera, appear to fall within the natural variation of Uebelmannia pectinifera and it should be synonymized with the latter. Origin and Habitat: Near Diamantina, 1200 m, Minas Gerais (Brazil, Southern America) This tropical cactus prefers 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 full sun position and possibly afternoon shade in summer. If you can place it so that this occurs the plant will be much happier. Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz