Rebutia pygmaea

Scientific Name
Rebutia pygmaea (Rebut's little plant)

Common Name
Pygmy Rebutia

Origin
Native to Bolivia and Northwest Argentina

Description
This small species of clumping cactus originates in South America and in ideal conditions produces large, bright flowers which grab the attention of this tiny cactus. But if you look closely you'll see that even the stem is not all it seems; there are shades of purple in the green stem, showing that even the tiniest of plants are worth a closer look. Choose this cactus to add a splash of unusual colour to your windowsill.

Light
Thrives best in bright light; will love your brightest windowsill (try South-facing if in doubt!).

Water
Allow all the soil to dry out between watering; if the plant becomes crispy it may have too much sun and too little water; if it starts to grow mushy or rot at the roots, likely too much water and too little sun.

Humidity
Low humidity is perfect for cacti; a hose down to clean now and again is fine as long as the plant dries and doesn't sit damp.

Soil
Needs a well-draining pot and potting mix; look for specific 'cacti and succulent' soils with plenty of sand and other well-draining materials. Only repot if absolutely necessary: use the next size pot up, repot in the spring, and no more frequently than every three years.

Food
Feed every two months in the growing season, and every three in autumn and winter. Use 'cactus' labelled feed.

Temperature
Likes temperatures of 10-28°C; on the warmer end in spring-summer and preferably around 12°C in its autumn-winter dormancy period.

Pet-safe
These plants are not toxic but the more spiky varieties can hurt pets and small humans

Sprouts Top Tips
Your Rebutia pygmaea may produce pups- so keep an eye out for miniature versions of the plant growing off the stem or out of the root which you could propagate!