Matucana madisoniorum

Globose cactus, nearly nude, matte lime-green to grey-green in the sun. Showy salmon flower attracts humming birds. Usually solitary.

Height	6–14
Width	4–6ft
Tolerates	Drought, Heat, Pots, Wind
Water needs	Low
Most cactus are from the deserts of the world and as such like to go totally bone dry between waterings, making them very low-maintenance. If you see your cactus begin to shrivel or lose firmness, your cactus is likely totally dry and should be watered. To get good healthy growth your plant doesn't want to sit around totally dried out during it's growing season. Once it is dry, water it. This cactus comes from an area with summer rainfall and is actively growing during that time, when it is forgiving of overwatering errors. During winter dormancy it should be kept extra dry and won't tolerate overwatering. Remember that if kept in a small pot your plant will want more frequent watering.
Hardy to	30°F
Exposure	Part Shade – Full Sun
Plant traits	Cactus, Flowering, Humming Birds, Rock Garden
Indoor / outdoor	Outdoor
Drainage	In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
Fertilizing	All Purpose
Origin	E Peru
California native	No

Growing Notes

The spines of this cactus are not dangerous and can be easily tugged off to create a completely smooth cactus that looks like a jade orb.

Special Interest

There is a pink flowering form but it is very uncommon.

The above information reflects the observations of Grubb and Nadler and our extended plant community. We always consider input from fellow horticulturists and welcome feedback from those with additional information on the culture of this plant.

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