Rebutia fiebrigii is a member of the cactus family, native to Bolivia. It is an abundant species, living in the Andes Mountains at altitudes between 7,000 – 13,000 feet.
In their native habitat, they grow on rocky slopes, plateaus, and grassland valleys that are fully exposed to the elements.
Because of the harsh conditions, Rebutia fiebrigii is a hardy and easy-to-maintain plant for even novice gardeners.
The plant consists of a solitary ball covered in tiny nodules and silky hairs with bright orange flowers. Over time, the lone ball multiplies to form mounds.
This plant is a perennial that can withstand cold hardiness zones 9b or higher but can also thrive indoors as a houseplant.
Under the right conditions, the plant will still flower indoors.
The Royal Horticultural Society awarded two Rebutia cultivars their Award of Garden Merit, including:
- “Donaldiana”
- “Muscula” (Little Mouse)
If you want a succulent to add to your collection, the Rebutia fiebrigii is easy to grow and maintain. In addition, it’s one of the most beautiful flowering cacti plants.
Rebutia fiebrigii goes by several common names, including:
- Orange crown cactus
- Flame crown
- Barrel cactus
Quick Facts On Rebutia Fiebrigii
- Family: Cactaceae
- Light: Partial shade to full sun
- Temperature: above 70° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Moderate watering (1-2 times per week in summer)
- Fertilizer: Succulent fertilizer monthly during the spring and summer
- Propagation: Offsets or seeds
- Common Problems: Rot
Rebutia Fiebrigii Care
What Does The Rebutia Cactus Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Rebutia fiebrigii is a cactus plant that begins with a solitary ball. As it matures, the balls multiply, and it forms a mound.
The plant has soft, white spines that cover its body.
The bright orange flowers give this plant its visually appealing status. However, some species have green or red flowers and are equally beautiful.
This plant is a frequent bloomer that grows in clusters. Even young plants will often send out offshoots.
As a result, the plant grows larger in cultivation than in its natural habitat.
When Does The Rebutia Cactus Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The Rebutia fiebrigii flowers in late spring, and the blooms stay open for up to six days.
The blooms are funnel-shaped and only reach about half an inch in diameter. The flowers appear from the base of the stems.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Rebutia fiebrigii does well in partial shade to full sun conditions. If you’re keeping it as a houseplant, place it near a bright, sunny window.
Bright morning sun with afternoon shade tends to work best, as intense afternoon sun in the summer can scorch parts of the plant.
This Rebutia species is a perennial that can withstand cold hardiness zones 9b or higher.
During the summer, the Rebutia cactus prefers temperatures above 70° degrees Fahrenheit, so people in hot climates tend to keep it as a houseplant.
In addition, the plant doesn’t fare too well with temperatures below 25° degrees Fahrenheit for an extended period.
Ensure that you protect the plant from heavy rain or hail, which can damage the plant.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Rebutia Cactus?
It’s essential to allow the Rebutia cactus to dry out before watering again. The plant is highly susceptible to overwatering, so during the peak of summer, once or twice a week should be sufficient.
The soil might be too dry if you notice the cactus ball starting to wilt. However, you only need to water it monthly during the winter months.
During the spring and summer, a monthly application of succulent fertilizer will give your rebutia plant a hearty dose of nutrients and needed potassium.
What Is The Best Soil For Tthe Rebutia Fiebrigii, And When Should You Transplant?
Rebutia cactus thrives in a well-draining cactus mix to help protect the plant from root rot. Many gardeners find that adding pumice or perlite to the cactus mix ensures excellent drainage.
Some even add a layer of pea gravel at the bottom of the pot for premium protection.
Your cactus can live in a small pot comfortably, but it’s a good idea to repot it annually when it’s young to encourage stem growth.
However, when the plant has matured, you can repot it every few years.
Repotting your Orange Crown Cactus is best done during the warmer season at the end of the dormancy period.
Once you repot, do not water rebutia fiebrigii for a few weeks to give your cactus time to adjust. In addition, this time will also prevent root rot.
Does Rebutia Fiebrigii Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
The Rebutia fiebrigii is one of the easiest cactus plants to own, requiring no maintenance.
You will have a happy cactus if you can keep the plant adequately watered (without overwatering) with access to the proper temperatures and sunlight.
How To Propagate Orange Crown Cactus?
Propagating your Orange Crown Cactus plant is relatively simple from seeds or offsets.
However, the easiest method is via offsets, which form clusters around the main plant.
Here’s what you need to do:
- When your plant sends out a few offsets, carefully remove them and let them callous for a few days.
- Once you notice the cut part of the offset is calloused, you can place the offset into a new container.
- To encourage faster rooting, you can set the offset in the rooting hormone before placing it in the soil.
When propagating Orange Crown cactus from seeds, do the following:
- Gather the seeds after the flower blooms.
- In early spring, place the seeds on top of cactus soil mix in a small container and then add a layer of sand on top.
- Then cover the small container with a glass.
- Make sure to take it off occasionally to allow the air to circulate.
Once the seeds germinate and the seedlings appear, place them into slightly larger pots and move them to a sunny location indoors.
Orange Crown Cactus Pests And Diseases
Thankfully, the Orange Crown Cactus is not susceptible to any particular pests but is highly sensitive to overwatering.
An overwatered Barrel Cactus can show signs of rot at the base of the plant.
Small sections of rot can be removed with an application of fungicide on the plant. However, if a larger area of your plant is infected, it may not be treatable.
Be mindful of how often you water your Rebutia Cactus to avoid future rot.
Even in the peak of summer, you must wait until the soil is completely dry before watering again.
Suggested Flame Crown Plant Uses
The Flame Crown cactus is an excellent option for a rock garden and contrasts nicely with agaves, yuccas, and low-growing flowering plants.