Light
Bright Indirect Light
Requires bright, indirect light; protect from intense midday summer sun.
Reference image Aylostera pulvinosa
Cushion Aylostera
Overview
Aylostera pulvinosa (formerly known as Rebutia pulvinosa) is a small, clustering succulent cactus in the family Cactaceae 1. Highly appreciated by collectors, it is well-known for its prolific clustering habit, forming dense, cushion-like mounds adorned with vibrant flowers.
Taxonomy and Naming
Originally described by Ritter, this species was historically grouped under the genus Rebutia. However, modern phylogenetic classifications accepted by Kew (POWO) reinstate it under the genus Aylostera 2. The specific epithet 'pulvinosa' originates from Latin, meaning 'cushion-like' or 'pulvinate', describing its growth habit.
Distribution and Habitat
Native to Southern America, specifically the montane regions of Bolivia, Aylostera pulvinosa thrives in desert or dry shrubland biomes 1. It is typically found growing in rock crevices and gravelly soils on steep slopes where drainage is exceptional.
Appearance
The stems are globose to slightly cylindrical, light green, and grow up to a few centimeters in diameter, offsetting freely from the base. Areoles are closely spaced, bearing fine, soft, white to pale yellowish spines. During late spring and summer, it produces bright orange to reddish-orange funnel-shaped flowers from the base of the stems 2.
Cultivation
In cultivation, Cushion Aylostera prefers plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Direct mid-day summer sun can cause scorching. Watering should follow a 'soak and dry' cycle during the active growing season and be withheld almost entirely in winter to respect its dormancy 3. A highly porous, mineral-rich gritty soil mix is essential.
Common Cultivation Mistakes
The most prevalent issue is root rot caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Inadequate light levels lead to etiolation, where the plant stretches unnaturally towards the light source, weakening its structural integrity and reducing flowering.
References
Watering
10-30 Days
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings; keep almost bone dry in winter.
Soil
Well-draining, gritty cactus mix with pumice and coarse sand
Highly porous, gritty substrate containing pumice, gravel, and low organic matter.
Safety
Pet Friendly
Non-toxic to pets, but has fine spines that can cause minor mechanical irritation.
Difficulty
Easy
Very easy to care for, making it ideal for beginners who can resist overwatering.
Native Habitat
Bolivia
Found natively in the high-altitude, rocky slopes and dry shrublands of Bolivia, growing in well-drained, gritty mountain soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does Aylostera pulvinosa grow?
Individual stems only reach about 3-5 cm in diameter, but over time the plant offsets freely to form dense cushion-like clumps up to 15-20 cm wide.
Is it toxic to pets?
No, *Aylostera pulvinosa* is non-toxic. However, its small, fine spines can cause mechanical irritation to curious pets, so it should be kept out of reach.
How often should I water it?
Water roughly every 10 days in summer (only when the soil is completely dry) and keep it almost entirely dry in winter, watering at most once a month.
What kind of pot and soil should I use?
Use a pot with excellent drainage holes. The substrate should be a specialized cactus mix rich in pumice, perlite, and coarse sand.
Is it cold hardy in winter?
It can tolerate brief drops down to -2°C (28°F) if kept completely dry, but it is best overwintered indoors or in a frost-free, cool greenhouse.
How do I get it to bloom?
Providing a cool (8-12°C / 46-53°F) and dry winter dormancy, followed by plenty of bright, indirect sunlight in spring, triggers abundant budding.
Why is my plant stretching and losing shape?
This is due to insufficient light (etiolation). You should move your cactus to a brighter spot near a window receiving ample indirect sunlight.
How do I propagate Aylostera pulvinosa?
It is easily propagated by gently removing offsets (pups) from the main cluster in spring or summer, letting the cut dry for a few days, and then potting them in sandy soil.
Should I fertilize this cactus?
During the active spring and summer growth phase, apply a half-strength, low-nitrogen liquid cactus fertilizer once a month. Do not fertilize in winter.
When should I repot it?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring, or when the clump has completely filled the pot and reaches the edges of the container.