Aylostera Heliosa

Subject: Aylostera Heliosa Sun Jun 22, 2008 4:03 pm

just wondering if any one had growing tips for this genius within southern Australian climate...

cheers

Joined : 07 May 2008 Posts : 341 Location : Melbourne

well now known as Rebutia heliosa.
flowers are bright orange produced prolifically in spring.....dry winter... south american... mist spray occasionally.... don't overwater during growing season...rot prone.... small pot... dry out fast...coarse soil mix...bright light, not full burning sun in summer though. according to one of my books it is hardy to -7C so cold no problem.

Subject: Re: Aylostera Heliosa Sun Jun 22, 2008 4:32 pm

nice one lewis Wink

Joined : 07 May 2008 Posts : 341 Location : Melbourne

looking over what i just wrote i mean mist spray only in winter when dormant (now) otherwise completely dry wintering. south americans in general like this treatment. it prevents the roots from dying back quite so bad as a result of prolonged periods of time with no water.

Joined : 07 May 2008 Posts : 341 Location : Melbourne

here ya go:
http://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/REBUTIA/Rebutia_heliosa/Rebutia_heliosa/Rebutia_heliosa.htm

Subject: Re: Aylostera Heliosa Sun Jun 22, 2008 5:50 pm

thanks mate Wink

do you know if it is sterile or fertile?

Joined : 07 May 2008 Posts : 341 Location : Melbourne

I only have one specimen of this and haven't got seed on it but i have found the related Rebutia heliosa fma. 'melanistic' to be self-fertile:
http://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/REBUTIA/Rebutia_heliosa/Rebutia_heliosa_melanistic/Rebutia_heliosa_melanistes_kk849.htm
i'm guessing that v. heliosa may also prove to be self-fertile but having two plants can't hurt.

Subject: Re: Aylostera Heliosa Sun Jun 22, 2008 7:19 pm

sweet! if its not self fertile might have to trade some pollen some time...

this thread should probably be moved to Bolivian section, I thought they were from Argentina Embarassed

cheers