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Frailea castanea | Frailea asterioides | Crested | Large-sized

· Premium
In Stock · Ships in 48h
$ 45.00 / plant
Attribute Option
Quantity Qty
1
Sales Type Retail, WYSIWYG, Same Batch
Product Size W5.3cm
Weight 0.2 kg
Propagation Method Own-rooted
Genus Frailea

Description

Scientific Name

Frailea castanea Backeb.

Geographic & Climate

  • Geographic Coordinates: Approx. 29°50'S – 31°30'S, 53°40'W – 57°10'W (Southern Brazil: Rio Grande do Sul; Northern Uruguay)

  • Climate Classification: Humid Subtropical Climate (Köppen Cfa)

  • Habitat Characteristics: Altitude approx. 100–350 meters above sea level. Inhabits stony grasslands (Pampa biome), growing exposed or partially shaded on thin, gravelly, sandy, well-draining acidic soils with well-distributed annual rainfall (1,200–1,500 mm) and distinct warm-summer/mild-winter temperature fluctuations.

Botanical Morphology

  • Diagnostic Features: Solitary, flattened-globose to button-like discoid stem reaching 1.5–4 cm in diameter and up to 1.5–2 cm in height. Body color ranges from dark reddish-brown, reddish-chocolate, to dark purple-green. Features 8–14 flat, broad, low ribs separated by fine superficial vertical grooves. Areoles carry 3–8 tiny, short (1–2 mm), dark brown to black appressed spines that curve back against the plant body, giving an insect-like appearance. Flowers are pale yellow (2–2.5 cm wide), strongly cleistogamous (frequently self-pollinated without opening unless temperatures are exceptionally high).

  • Growth Habit: Very slow-growing dwarf geophyte. Enters dry/cold winter dormancy. Maximum mature diameter rarely exceeds 4–5 cm.

History & Etymology

  • Etymology: The generic name Frailea honors Americo Fraile, a former curator of the cactus collection at the National Department of Agriculture in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The specific epithet castanea derives from Latin castaneus (chestnut), referring to the distinctive dark chestnut-brown coloration of the plant body.

  • Historical Context: Formally described by German botanist Albert Frederik Hendrik Backeberg in 1936. Long known in horticulture under the synonym Frailea asterioides Werderm., this species became widely popular among cactus collectors due to its unique sea-urchin-like geometry and dark button-like appearance.

Care Guide

Essential Care Tips for Thriving Plants

Light

Provide partial to full sun. Most plants thrive on direct UV exposure. Avoid placing behind window glass, as it filters out the essential UV rays needed for healthy growth.

Water

Follow the "Soak and Dry" principle. Ensure the top 2–3 cm of soil is bone dry before watering (use the finger test). Reduce frequency in winter, but do not stop watering entirely.

Temperature

The ideal range is 18–35 °C. Maintain temperatures above 5 °C during winter. Please note that temperatures below 0 °C pose a significant risk of plant death.

Humidity

Best kept at 30–50% humidity. Note: High air humidity is not a substitute for root watering. Avoid overly damp areas to prevent root rot or leggy side shoots.

Soil

A loose, well-draining medium is ideal. A mix containing 50–70% grit or mineral soil is recommended for aeration. Outdoor ground planting is also a viable option.

Fertilizer

Fertilize during repotting using Osmocote A2 slow-release fertilizer. Apply sparingly twice a year, or adjust the fertilizer type based on your specific home environment.

Planting Guide

Start Your Green Journey in 4 Steps

Unbox & Inspect

Carefully unpack and inspect the plant’s body and roots. We recommend taking photos or videos immediately for your records. Place it in a shaded, well-ventilated spot for 1–2 days to acclimate to its new environment.

Potting & Placement

After 24 hours of rest, pot the plant using slightly moistened soil. Place it in a bright, airy location to encourage recovery. Keep away from AC vents or heaters to prevent damage from temperature fluctuations.

First Watering

Use water that has sat for at least 24 hours. If using the damp-potting method, wait 2–3 days before the first watering. Ensure a thorough soak until water drains freely from the bottom.

Daily Care

Monitor leaf condition and soil moisture daily. If the soil remains damp, increase ventilation rather than watering. Proper airflow is essential to prevent root rot and ensure lasting health.

  • 5 stars: 9 (75%)
  • 4 stars: 3 (25%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
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先程受け取りました!!
とても新鮮で安心した取引になりました!!!!
またよろしくお願いします!!

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