Origin and Natural Habitat
Matucana madisoniorum v. albiflora is endemic to a very small area of Peru.
Plant Characteristics
Matucana madisoniorum is a dark-green, globular cactus with attractively shaped fissures in the stem, giving it a geometric appearance. Some specimens produce single spines from the areoles, while others are spineless. Matucana madisoniorum v. albiflora,ย as the variety name suggests, produces pure white flowers rather than red-orange ones.
Care Guide
Light
Matucana can tolerate full morning sun if carefully adjusted to it, but a plant grown in some shade or a newly replanted specimen should not be placed in full sun immediately. It is best to grow them under 40% shade cloth.
Soil
Matucana madisoniorum is quite fussy and should only be planted inย a gritty, inorganic soil medium that drains well, such as Ibaraki Akadama or Hyuga pumice.
Water
You should thoroughly soak the soil when watering. Only water this species in the spring and summer growing season, and keep dry in winter. Matucana are extremely prone to rot if watered in winter.
Pot size
Matucana madisoniorum are medium sized cacti when mature. This species tends to remain solitary and does not easily produce offshoots. Small plants can be grown in 10cm pots until they start to grow near the edges of the pot, at which point they can be moved to larger pots. They should only be planted in a pot that is 3-5cm wider than their stem diameter.
Temperature
This speciesโ ideal temperature ranges between 20 – 30*C. It can tolerate 5 โ 35*C. It is very sensitive to frost.
Humidity
Matucana madisoniorum are extremely sensitive to humidity, particularly during winter. This species tend to form white scars if grown in high humidity. Make sure that your growing space has plenty of airflow.
Fertilizing
Use a half-strength diluted general liquid fertilizer only during the growing season. Do not fertilize during autumn or winter. Alternatively, a small amount of slow-release fertilizer will be sufficient.
Growing Season
Matucana madisoniorum grow actively in spring and summer, and are fully dormant in autumn and winter.
In South Africa, their growing season is from October until late February.
Propagation
Matucana madisoniorum are best propagated from seed.
Seed germination: Seeds should be sown in early spring. Plant them in a coco peat based mix in an airtight container. Once most of the seeds have germinated, remove the lid of the container to allow airflow. Gently mist the seedlings every few days so that the soil does not dry out.