Description of Escobaria Vivipara (Nutt.) Buxbaum var. kaibabensis (P.C. Fischer) N.P. Taylor
Escobaria Vivipara (Nutt.) Buxbaum var. kaibabensis (P.C. Fischer) N.P. Taylor is a variety of the Escobaria Vivipara species that belongs to the Cactaceae family. Its common name is Kaibab Pincushion Cactus, and it is endemic to the Kaibab Plateau in northern Arizona, United States. It is a small, slow-growing cactus that typically grows between 1 to 3 inches tall and up to 4 inches in diameter.
Appearance of Escobaria Vivipara (Nutt.) Buxbaum var. kaibabensis (P.C. Fischer) N.P. Taylor
The Kaibab Pincushion Cactus is a low-growing, spherical cactus that has a dense cluster of tubercles on its stems. The stems have a green-greyish color and have around 35 to 45 spines per areole. The spines are usually white or yellowish and are about 0.5 to 1 inch long. In spring, it produces a small, pink or purple flower that is about 1 inch wide.
Uses of Escobaria Vivipara (Nutt.) Buxbaum var. kaibabensis (P.C. Fischer) N.P. Taylor
Escobaria Vivipara (Nutt.) Buxbaum var. kaibabensis (P.C. Fischer) N.P. Taylor is a popular ornamental cactus used in xeriscaping, rock gardens, and small containers. Because of its size, it is perfect for growing indoors in bright light or in a sunny window. It is a hardy cactus that is drought-tolerant and can withstand freezing temperatures, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in cold climates.
Growth Conditions for Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis
Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis is a small cactus species that grows in arid conditions. It needs specific growth conditions to thrive. These conditions include:
Light
Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis prefers bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. If you are growing it indoors, make sure to keep it near a south-facing window or under artificial light that mimics the intensity of sunlight.
Temperature
Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis is a cold-hardy cactus that can tolerate freezing temperatures. However, it grows best in warmer temperatures between 70 and 90°F (21 to 32°C). Make sure to protect it from extreme heat and cold if growing it outdoors.
Soil
Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis requires well-draining soil with good aeration. It can thrive in rocky soil, sandy soil, or soil that is a mix of sand and gravel. Make sure to avoid soil that retains too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot.
Water
Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis is a drought-tolerant cactus that can survive long periods without water. It is best to water it sparingly and only when the soil is completely dry. In general, it needs watering only once or twice a month during the growing season and even less during the winter months when it goes dormant.
Overall, Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis is a relatively easy-to-grow cactus that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. By providing it with the right amount of sunlight, temperature, soil, and water, you can help it grow healthy and strong.
Cultivation
Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis thrives in a sunny outdoor location with well-draining soil. Choose sandy or rocky soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. You can propagate Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis from offsets during the early spring or summer months.
Watering needs
The watering requirements of Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis are minimal. Only water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases that can be fatal to the plant. During the summer months, water the plant at least once a month. Watering can be reduced to once every month and a half during winter months when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis does not require fertilization. Applying too much fertilizer can lead to overgrowth, soft and unhealthy growth, and other problems that can damage the plant. However, to jumpstart growth, you can apply a weak cactus fertilizer during the early spring months before the growing season begins. Be sure to dilute the fertilizer to at least half the recommended concentration. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the fall or winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis. However, you can remove dead or damaged parts of the plant with a sharp, sterilized blade. If you notice any discoloration or other signs of stress, immediately remove the affected parts to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis
Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis is a slow-growing cactus that grows in clumps and produces offsets, making propagation relatively easy. Here are some methods for propagating this plant:
Offsets Propagation
Offsets are small plants that grow around the base of the mother plant. Wait until they are large enough to handle, and then separate them from the mother plant by gently pulling them off or cutting them away with a sharp, sterilized knife. Make sure to leave a small piece of stem attached to the offset.
Let the offsets dry out for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil damp but not too wet, and avoid direct sunlight until they start producing new growth. After a few weeks, you should see new roots and growth.
Seed Propagation
Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis can also be propagated from seed. Collect ripe seed pods from the mother plant and let them dry out completely. Once the pods are dry, break them open and collect the seeds inside.
Plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist. Place the pot in a warm, bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. Seed germination can take up to several weeks, so be patient.
Once the seedlings have produced their second set of true leaves, you can transplant them into individual pots or into the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings are not a recommended propagation method for Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis because they are difficult to root. However, if you decide to use this method, take a cutting from the mother plant with a sterilized knife and let it dry out for a week.
Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist. Keep the pot in a warm, bright location, but avoid direct sunlight until it starts producing new growth. It may take several months for the cutting to produce roots and new growth.
Propagation of Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis can be rewarding, but be patient and follow these guidelines carefully to ensure success.
Disease Management
Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis is generally a hardy plant and is not commonly affected by diseases. However, it is still susceptible to certain diseases that can affect its growth and overall health.
One common disease that affects Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis is root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poorly-draining soil. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid watering the plant excessively.
Another disease that can affect this plant is bacterial soft rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die. To prevent bacterial soft rot, ensure proper air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering.
If the plant does become infected with a disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy the infected parts immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis is generally not affected by many pests. However, there are a few pests that can still cause damage to the plant.
One common pest that can affect this plant is the cactus moth, which lays its eggs on the plant and the larvae then burrow into the plant tissues, causing damage and potential death. To prevent cactus moth infestation, inspect the plant regularly and manually remove any egg masses and larvae you find.
Another pest that can affect Escobaria vivipara var. kaibabensis is spider mites, which can cause leaf discoloration and damage. To prevent spider mite infestation, ensure that the plant is properly hydrated and increase the humidity around the plant.
If the plant does become infested with pests, it is recommended to use natural methods of pest control, such as introducing beneficial insects or using organic pesticides, rather than harsh chemical pesticides, which can harm the plant and surrounding environment.
