Crown Cactus Plant – A Comprehensive Guide to Growing

in succulents, there is no shortage of unique flowers or interesting appearances, but when it comes to attractive plants that can easily make it in your home garden, few items seem to be as desirable as the Crown Cactus (Rebutia). Also known as a Rebutia Cactus or Rebutia Plant, the Crown of Thorns delights us with its symmetrical form and hundreds of little babies. It is only second to the Crown of Thorns in its desirability – has there ever been a creature as beautiful and evocative at the same time? I never heard of anyone who didn’t fall in love with this cactus at first sight. In fact, the author of this article can trace my entire interest in succulents and houseplants back to this beaut that lives in our apartment. So, if you want to grow your own Crown Cactus but don‘t quite know where to start, this comprehensive guide is for you. We’ll talk about types of crown cacti, how to spot one in a store, what kind of soil to choose, and whether Crown Cactus can be grown outdoors. We’ll also discuss the most important care and maintenance aspects of keeping your Rebutia Cactus happy and healthy.

What is the Crown Cactus?

A close-up shot of a Rebutia specimenThere are dozens of species of crown cactus, commonly known as Rebutia, a genus of small cacti found in mountain regions of South America, from Bolivia to Argentina. The Rebutia is a compact and slow-growing species that can be cultivated indoors as a container or green house item.

Spiny crown cactus.As the name suggests, the spiny crown cactus shows small rounded bodies with rounded crests atop that are covered with spines. These spines are usually white, yellow or red while the blooms appear in bright orange, red, pink and yellow – and often appear in a whole cluster around the cacti. The common name of this type of cacti come from the fact that the blossoms literally appear like a crown atop this small and spiny plant.

Types of Crown Cactus

There species, all slightly different, and here are a few of the most popular: crown cactus (Rebutia) species

Rebutia muscula

Rebutia muscula is one of the most popular succulents around. It has soft, white spines that brush off like fur and equally soft orange flowers that add a splash of colour to the snowy plant.

Rebutia minuscula

One of the most commonly grown species, Rebutia minuscula produces a bright red flower and can survive in a number of conditions. Its small size and low maintenance requirements add to its appeal.

Rebutia heliosa

This species is characterised by having cream to yellow flowers that are arranged in a distinctive double spiral of spines, similar in appearance to a fingerprint. Rebutia heliosa is a little more challenging to grow, but the flowers are worth the effort for dedicated gardeners.

Rebutia fiebrigii

Rebutia fiebrigii, with its long stalks of yellow flowers and tuberculates ribbed architecture, is one of the more uncommon members of the genus Rebutia and a surefire hit for cactus collectors.

How to Grow a Crown Cactus

It’s quite easy to grow a Crown Cactus, so people of all skill levels, from the most experienced gardeners to those green with envy, can have success! However, all succulents are a bit high-maintenance — they like their particular conditions.

Light Requirements

Crown Cacti thrive in bright, indirect light. Though they can handle direct sunlight (especially early in the morning or in the late afternoon when the sun is not too intense) too much bright light can leave your plant scorched. When growing your Crown Cactus indoors, place it by a window facing south or east, which will provide it with enough natural light but protect it from the full sun at midday.

Soil Needs

The soil should be well-draining so the plant doesn’t develop root rot, and it’s no different for this species. A cactus mix or a succulent mix is a good bet, as those are designed specifically for the kinds of drainage cacti need. If mixing your own, try a combination of one part regular potting soil, one part coarse sand, and one part perlite or pumice.

Watering Guidelines

A Crown Cactus needs more watering in the growing season, which is spring and summer, than in the winter. A good rule for the growing season is to water a Crown Cactus deeper than topsoil, take your index finger about twice as deep as you normally would. Then check the soil. When it’s dry, be sure to add water. If you can, stick your index finger 4-6 inches deep to check the soil. Overwatering can kill any plant by rotting the roots, and it’s the most common reason cacti or other succulents (like Echeveria) die. If they get too much water, they’ll eventually rot. In the winter, succulents, including a Crown Cactus, go dormant and need much less water. To avoid killing your this plant with kindness, water only once every 4-6 weeks.

Temperature and Humidity

Whileant of cool room temperatures, Crown Cacti thrive in warm weather with temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (16°C – 27°C) during the growing season. When temperatures cool in the winter, they can tolerate cooler weather down to 40°F (4°C) but should be protected from frost. Humidity is typically a non-issue for Crown Cacti, since they are used to dry, arid conditions.

Fertilization

Feed your Crown Cactus fertiliser in growing season with water soluble balanced fertiliser two times (2 times) every month diluted half strength. During winter time do not fertilising Crown Cactus because it goes in dormancy period.

Propagating the Crown Cactus

One of the joys of Crown cacti is how easily they propagate, and there are two common techniques: offsets and seeds.

Offsets

Many cacti, such as the Crown Cactus, also have the tendency to form smaller offsets, or ‘pups’, near the base of the parent plant which can carefully be removed and planted as a separate plant. The easiest method of doing this is to remove an offset from the parent, gently twist or cut it off using a sterile knife, leave the offset to dry for a couple of days to allow a callus to develop over the fresh cuts which helps to prevent rot, and then plant in some well-drained cactus compost, keeping it lightly watered until a few tiny new shoots appear.

Seeds

Sowing Crown Cacti from seeds is done less commonly because it’s more time-consuming, but it can be rewarding. Sow your seeds in a shallow tray filled with a good cactus mix with excellent drainage. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of sand or fine gravel. Keep the soil moist, and provide bright, indirect light. Germination will take place over the course of several weeks to months, depending on the species. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, they will need to be transferred to individual pots.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Although mostly trouble-free, Crown Cacti can sometimes have a few problems. Here’s what you need to know: Crown Cactus.

Overwatering and Root Rot

And this, as I have already remarked, is no doubt the most common troublesome condition which can afflict a Crown Cactus: overwatering. When Crown Cactus is suffering from overwatering, the plant will yellow, its stems will begin to soften, and plant vigour will generally suffer. If you suspect that your cactus is infected with root rot, remove the plant from its pot, cut away all soft or rotten roots, and replant in fresh, dry soil. Recheck your watering routine.

Pests

Crown Cacti can be afflicted with mealybugs, spider mites or scale, so an insecticidal soap or neem oil would have to be applied as a remedy. Isolate an infected plant right away so the pests won’t spread to the others in your collection.

Sunburn

If your Crown Cactus gets too much sun – especially in the middle of the hottest part of the day – it can get sunburn. You’ll know this has happened if some part of the body of the plant shows as discoloured or whitened blotches. Move the cactus to more filtered light, and in due course the plants will recover.

The Aesthetic and Cultural Significance of Crown Cacti

In addition to their use in aesthetically arranged gardens, Crown Cacti have been incorporated into different cultural contexts as well. In some cultures, cacti are revered as symbols of heroism and strength, and the resilience of these plants, which grow on desolate and barren Earth, is commonly metaphorised; for instance, like a cactus can bloom beautiful flowers despite their prickly exteriors, you can still thrive despite having grown up in adversity.

It readily lends itself to professional floristry and interior design because of its decorative value. Crown Cacti grow large enough to adorn mantelpieces and small enough to squeeze into windowsills, desks and small shelves. Colour choices further mean that almost any palette can be complemented by a well-matched Crown Cactus.

Why You Should Grow a Crown Cactus

As such, it is much more than a simple plant; it is a conversation-starting plant, a décor piece, an angel of resurrection. Regardless of whether you are an avid gardener or a beginner, the Crown Cactus presents enduring rewards: an easy-care plant that offers beautiful blooms and, if you are into it, the satisfaction of propagating your own offshoots.

With the proper care, your prickly Crown Cactus will remain with you for a long time, bringing vibrant colour and a touch of the exotic to your home or garden – an intriguing succulent option for any gardener.