Light
Bright Indirect Light
Bright indirect light or filtered sun; shield from intense mid-day direct sunlight.
Reference image Matucana weberbaueri
Weberbauer's Matucana
Overview
Matucana weberbaueri is a highly sought-after, solitary to slowly clustering globose cactus native to the high-altitude valleys of Peru. It is prized by succulent enthusiasts for its striking, symmetrical spination and vibrant golden-yellow to orange zygomorphic flowers 1.
Taxonomy and naming
Named in honor of the prominent German botanist and Andean explorer August Weberbauer, this species belongs to the genus Matucana, named after the Peruvian town of Matucana. Synonyms include Borzicactus weberbaueri and Submatucana weberbaueri 1.
Distribution and habitat
This species is endemic to Peru, specifically restricted to the Marañón River basin in the Amazonas region, occurring at elevations between 2,000 and 2,100 meters above sea level 2. It thrives in seasonally dry tropical biomes, growing on steep, rocky andesite cliffs and gravelly slopes where drainage is instantaneous 2.
Appearance
The stem is globose, eventually becoming short-cylindrical with age, reaching up to 20 cm in height and 12 cm in diameter. It has 18 to 30 ribs divided into low tubercles. The areoles bear 15 to 30 thin, needle-like, golden-yellow to dark brown spines. Its spectacular, daily-opening flowers are tubular, up to 6 cm long, and exhibit a rich yellow or orange hue 1.
Cultivation
Matucana weberbaueri requires bright, filtered sunlight to retain its dense spination and compact form. During the spring and summer growing season, water thoroughly but allow the potting medium to dry out completely between waterings. It requires a cool, completely dry winter rest at temperatures ideally around 8–10°C to encourage spring flowering 3.
Common cultivation mistakes
Excessive watering, especially during the winter dormancy, is the primary cause of root rot. Lack of adequate light results in etiolation, causing the stems to stretch, lose their rich green coloration, and produce weaker spines 3.
Bibliography
References
Watering
10-30 Days
Water only after soil dries out entirely; withhold water completely during winter.
Soil
Excellently draining mineral cactus soil mix containing pumice and coarse sand
Highly porous, low-organic mineral mix with high ratios of pumice, gravel, and sand.
Safety
Pet Friendly
Non-toxic to pets, but has sharp spines that can cause mechanical injury; handle with care.
Difficulty
Moderate
Moderately easy, provided you avoid overwatering and protect from freezing temperatures.
Native Habitat
Western South America, Peru
Native to the Marañón River valley in the Amazonas region of Peru, where it grows on high-altitude rocky cliffs within seasonally dry tropical scrublands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Matucana weberbaueri be grown in pots?
Yes, it grows excellently in pots, provided you use a highly porous terracotta pot and a fast-draining mineral soil mix.
How often should I water it?
Water roughly every 10 days in summer only after the soil is bone-dry. In winter, withhold water completely to prevent rot.
What is its cold tolerance in winter?
It can tolerate temperatures down to 5°C for brief periods if kept completely dry, but thrives best around 8-10°C in winter.
How can I encourage it to bloom?
Ensure a cool, dry winter dormancy period and provide ample filtered sunlight during the spring and summer months.
What type of soil should I use?
Use a specialized cactus mix with high amounts of mineral grit, such as pumice, perlite, and coarse sand, with minimal organic matter.
Is it toxic to pets?
It is non-toxic to pets, but the sharp spines can cause physical injury, so keep it out of reach of curious animals.
Does it need direct sunlight?
It prefers bright, filtered sunlight or morning sun. Protect it from scorching midday summer sun to prevent sunburn.
What is its growth rate?
It is a slow-to-moderate grower, taking several years to reach its mature globose-cylindrical shape.
When should I repot it?
Repot in early spring every 2-3 years, or when the root system has completely filled the current pot.
What does a softening stem mean?
Softening usually indicates root or stem rot caused by overwatering. Stop watering immediately and check the health of the roots.