Chamaelobivia hybrid cv. VIOLET (Hybrid Chamaecereus sylvestris x Lobivia sp.) Very popular hybrid that develop really amazing deep violet flowers on the original "peanut" body.

Family: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Scientific name:  x Chamaelobivia cv. VIOLET

Hybrid Chamaecereus sylvestris x Lobivia sp.

Origin:  Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.

Chamaelobivia cv. VIOLET

CHAMAELOBIVIA HYBRIDS:  Chamaecereus silvestrii (now renamed Echinopsis chamaecereus) is an old species widely hybridized with various Lobivias, hence Chamaelobivia (intergeneric hybrid of Chamaecereus and Lobivia), but since both of those are now reclassified as Echinopsis, that makes this an Echinopsis hybrid. Chamaelobivia are very popular hybrids that develop really amazing flowers of different colours on the original "peanut" body, and many of these hybrids have cultivar names.  These plants soon form spectacular clumps with 20-30 (or more) flowers at a time, and are quite a sight.  They are often thicker, stronger, and larger growing than C. sylvestrii, and tend not to have the typical peanut shaped offsets. The offsets produced are more strongly attached to the main stems.
Most of these hybrids can grow outside all year, and can take a lot of sun. Hardy from -4° to -12° C, depending on clone.

Cultivation: This is an easily grown cactus, suited to hanging baskets as well as pots. Grow in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. This Echinopsis needs a period of cool rest in winter to produce flowers abundantly. It flowers freely indoors if conditions suit it. The plant survives outside without protection in winter (cold hardy to -8° ) but is then somewhat prone to rot, too.
It needs moderate water in summer, none in winter.  Watch for infestations of mealybug, scale insects and spider mite.

Propagation: Easy to propagate from offsets. Small joints are produced in quantities (peanuts) These offsets can be detached and planted immediately as they root easily with no assistance when they touch the ground. Just let them lay on the soil and you have a new start.