If you’re like me, who loves finding new plants to add to your garden. And if you’re also like me, you want to ensure that the plants you add are easy to care for.
So, if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant, I’d recommend checking out lobivia kermesina.
Lobivia kermesina, or the red torch cactus, is a beautiful and unique plant that makes a great addition to any home.
Lobivia kermesina is a member of the cactus family and is native to South America.
It’s a succulent, meaning it stores water in its leaves and can grow up to two feet tall.
The plant gets its name from its bright red flowers, which bloom in the summertime.
Some of the common household names for the lobivia kermesina include:
- Bolivian cactus
- Red torch cactus
- Bloodflower cactus
- Royalty cactus
The red torch cactus is given its name due to the bright red color of its blooms, which can be seen from a distance like a torch burning.
Other scientific or Latin names for this plant include:
- Echinopsis mamillosa var. kermesina
- Lobivia grandiflora
- Lobivia haematantha
Though it may look daunting to care for, with a little knowledge, it’s easy to keep this plant healthy and happy.
This article will cover everything you need to know about propagating the red torch cactus.
Quick Facts On Lobivia Kermesina
- Family: Cactaceae
- Light: Bright, direct sunlight
- Temperature: 70° and 85° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings
- Fertilizer: Cactus-specific fertilize once a year in spring
- Propagation: Cuttings or offsets
- Common Problems: Aphids, mealybugs, and root rot
Lobivia Kermesina Care
Lobivia Kermesinas are relatively easy to care for and make great houseplants or additions to your indoor or succulent outdoor garden.
With proper care, they will thrive and bloom for many years.
What Does The Bolivian Cactus Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
Lobivia kermesina is a beautiful cactus that originates from Bolivia. It is characterized by its red, orange, or yellow flowers that bloom in the summer.
The plant grows columnar, with a green or bluish-green stem and red spines.
The Bolivian cactus can reach up to 12″ inches tall and spread up to 24″ inches wide.
When Does The Bolivian Cactus Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Lobivia kermesina typically flowers in the summer months. The flowers are not fragrant.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
When growing them indoors, lobivia kermesina does best in a sunny spot. Outdoors, they do well in either full sun or partial shade.
The light they need will also depend on the time of year. In the winter, when they are dormant, they can get by with less light. But during their growing season, they will need more.
Regarding temperature, The Bolivian cactus likes it on the warm side
They are not frost tolerant, so if you live in an area that gets cold in the winter, you will need to bring them indoors.
The ideal temperature range is between 70° and 85° degrees Fahrenheit.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Bolivian Cactus?
The Bolivian cactus requires very little water, so it is important not to overwater them. Instead, water only when the soil is completely dry.
Fertilize your lobivia kermesina once a month during the growing season with a succulent fertilizer.
What Is The Best Soil For Lobivia Kermesina, And When Should You Transplant?
Lobivia kermesina prefers a rich, sandy soil with plenty of organic matter.
If you put your lobivia kermesina in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes, as it does not like to sit in wet soil.
The Bolivian cactus is fast-growing and can quickly become overcrowded in its pot.
For this reason, it is best to repot this cactus every two years. When repotting, choose a pot one size larger than the current pot.
Use a well-draining cactus mix and water the cactus deeply immediately after repotting.
The best time to transplant is in late spring or early summer, after the last frost.
Does Lobivia Kermesina Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Lobivia kermesina does not require specialized grooming. However, you may find it beneficial to prune the plant back if it gets too leggy.
You can also remove any offsets that appear at the base of the plant. These offsets can be transplanted into their own pots.
How To Over-Winter Lobivia Kermesina?
If you live in an area with cold winters, you must take precautions to protect your lobivia kermesina from the cold.
First, bring the plant indoors and place it in a sunny spot.
Reduce watering, but do not allow the plant to dry out completely. If possible, maintain a humidity level of around 50% percent.
You can also place your lobivia kermesina in a cool, dark room with a temperature between 50° to 60° degrees Fahrenheit.
Again, water the plant sparingly during this time.
How To Propagate Echinopsis Kermesina?
Echinopsis Kermesina is relatively easy to propagate. The best time to do it is in the spring, when the plant is actively growing.
To propagate, you’ll need to do the following:
- Take a cutting from the main plant.
- Make sure the cutting has at least two nodes, or small bumps, on it. These nodes are where the roots will grow from.
- Once you have your cutting, allow it to callus for a few days before planting. This is when the plant forms a protective barrier over the wound.
- To encourage callusing, you can put the cutting in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight
- Once the cutting has been callused, you can plant it in a well-draining cactus potting mix.
- Be sure to water it sparingly, as too much water can rot the roots.
- Put the pot in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight.
In a few weeks, you should see new growth!
If you have any questions about propagating the red torch cactus, feel free to ask in the comments below!
Lobivia Kermesina Pests And Diseases
The lobivia kermesina is a generally hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and other pests.
If you see any pests on your plant, you can remove them by hand or with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Signs of mealybugs include:
- White, cottony spots on the leaves
- Yellowing or wilting leaves
- Stunted growth
If you think your plant has mealybugs, quarantine it from your other plants to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Then, treat the plant with an insecticide according to the label instructions.
The lobivia kermesina is also susceptible to root rot, which can be caused by over-watering.
If you think your plant has root rot, stop watering it and let the soil dry out completely. Then, repot the plant in a fresh, well-draining cactus potting mix.
If the root rot is severe, you may need to remove any affected roots.
Signs of root rot include:
- Yellowing or wilting leaves
- Stunted growth
- Mushy or blackened roots
Overall, if your plant starts to wilt or the leaves start to drop, it’s likely due to too much water. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
Suggested Uses For The Bolivian Cactus
The lobivia kermesina is a beautiful plant that can add a touch of elegance to any room.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to add a splash of color to their home without worrying about high-maintenance plants.
This cactus can be used as a standalone plant or in a group with other succulents. It also makes a great addition to mixed containers and succulent gardens.
If you’re looking for a plant that is easy to care for and can brighten up any space, the lobivia kermesina is a perfect choice!
For example, you can use it as:
- A standalone plant in a small pot
- Part of a larger succulent arrangement
- A pop of color in a mixed container garden
- An accent plant in a succulent garden