Rebutia Cactus

The rebutia cactus (Rebutia fabrisii var. aureiflora) is a tiny clustering cactus that flowers out of all proportion to its size. A single head is only about 10cm tall and 15cm across, yet in spring it rings itself with yellow and orange blooms that can hide the plant underneath. It is a South American species from high, dry country, which is why it asks for so little.

Why you'll love it

• More flower than plant. The blooms open in a complete ring around the base of each head, and a good cluster carries dozens at once.
• It multiplies itself. New heads form around the parent, so one plant becomes a mound over a few years without any work from you.
• Close to unkillable, if you leave it alone. Drought tolerant, heat tolerant and content in poor soil. The only reliable way to lose one is overwatering.
• It fits absolutely anywhere. At 10cm high it suits a windowsill, a dish garden, a rockery pocket or a shelf on a balcony.

Where it works best

Pots and containers. A shallow terracotta pot with a gritty mix is ideal, because the clay breathes and the plant dries out between drinks.

Indoors. Give it the brightest windowsill in the house. In dim light the heads stretch, lose their compact shape and stop flowering.

Rockeries and balconies. Outdoors it wants sharp drainage and shelter from long wet spells, so a raised gravel pocket or a sunny balcony shelf suits it better than open garden soil.

Growing rebutia cactus in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to very bright light. It is at home in warm temperate, Mediterranean, arid and semi-arid gardens, and it handles light frost only, so cold districts should keep it in a pot under cover for winter. In humid subtropical and tropical areas, grow it beneath eaves where summer rain cannot sit on it.

Soil and mix. A free draining cactus and succulent mix, opened further with coarse sand or fine gravel, in a pot with a working drainage hole. Rich potting mix holds too much water and rots the base.

Water. Soak the mix, then let it dry completely before the next drink, which is roughly every two to three weeks in the warm months. Keep it almost dry through winter, since cold wet mix is what kills these plants.

Feeding and flowering. A low nitrogen cactus fertiliser once or twice over spring and summer is plenty. A cool, dry winter rest is what triggers a heavy spring flowering, so resist the urge to water and feed it year round.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown as tube stock, so your plant arrives small: one or two heads with a good root system, ready to pot into a 100mm to 150mm container. Give it a week somewhere bright and dry before the first watering, which lets disturbed roots seal over.

Cacti travel better than almost anything else we send. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the cactus collection
• Low maintenance cacti for a front garden
• Succulents and cacti together
• Plants that suit a balcony

Common questions

How often should I water it?

Every two to three weeks in spring and summer, and only once the mix is dry all the way through. Through winter, water barely at all.

Why is it not flowering?

Two things usually explain it: not enough light, or too much water and warmth in winter. A bright position and a genuinely dry, cool winter rest bring the spring display on.

Is it safe around pets and children?

The spines make it a poor choice at floor level or anywhere small hands can reach. Keep it on a high shelf or a windowsill and it causes no trouble.