Size: diameter 9 cm
SPECIAL PLANT

This 8-year-old Eriosyce (Neoporteria) odieri, montemarguensis is a rare collector’s piece with a tightly compact, spherical body and beautifully arranged spiral tubercles. Its golden to coppery spines are straight and dense, providing a delicate texture across the surface. The plant’s crown is covered in white wool, a classic trait of mature specimens and a promising sign for future blooming.

Eriosyce odieri is native to central Chile’s harsh coastal deserts, where it thrives in rocky, sandy soils under full sun and ocean winds. The montemarguensis variety is especially loved for its sturdy, slow-growing form and dense spination, making it a favorite among connoisseurs of Chilean cacti.

Fun fact:
This species has adapted to withstand salty sea air thanks to its tough, thickened epidermis. When mature, it produces vivid red to purplish flowers from its woolly crown.

Cultivation tips:
Needs a highly draining, mineral-based substrate (pumice, coarse sand, lava rock). Water only when completely dry, and suspend all watering during the cold season. Requires full sun exposure to maintain compact growth and rich color. Can handle near-freezing temperatures if kept bone dry. Avoid any humidity or stagnant moisture.