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Lobivia Densispina Cristata 5.5cm H15cm

Lobivia Densispina Cristata 5.5cm H15cm
£7.00 GBP
£7.00 GBP
Sale Sold out
Taxes included.
Pot Size

Meet 'Cristata'—the "brainy" wonder of the high Andes. With her uniquely mutated, fan-like growth and dense golden spines, she looks like a piece of living coral or a golden brain sculpture. She’s a rare, geometric beauty that brings a fascinating, prehistoric "pop" to any sun-drenched shelf!

  • The Formal Name: Lobivia (Echinopsis) densispina f. cristata
  • The Nickname: Crested Cob Cactus or Golden Brain Cactus
  • Roots: A rare crested mutation of the species native to the high-altitude mountains of Argentina and Bolivia.
  • Natural Vibe: Clinging to rocky, sun-blasted slopes in the thin mountain air.

Care Guide
  • Care Guide:
  • Sunlight: She loves bright, direct sun! Give her the sunniest spot in the house to maintain her tight, crested shape.
  • Best Room: A south-facing windowsill or a bright sunroom.
  • Snacks: A weak cactus fertiliser just once in the spring.
  • Tropical Feels: Hates humidity! She needs dry air and excellent ventilation to stay healthy.
  • Cosy Factor: Happy between 10–27°C. She can handle cool nights but keep her bone-dry in winter!
  • Thirst: Very low. Let the soil dry out 100% before watering. In winter, stop watering almost entirely.
  • Safety First: Non-toxic – chemically safe, but her dense spines are very sharp; keep away from pets and children.
  • The Bedding: Needs a very mineral-rich, gritty soil—think 60% pumice or gravel.
  • Family Tree: Propagated primarily by taking cuttings from the crest and grafting or rooting them separately.
  • Space Needs: Stays relatively small and slow-growing, reaching 10–15 cm in height.
  • Speed: Very slow. She values her unique, twisted structure over rapid growth.
  • Uninvited Guests: Watch for mealybugs hiding in the deep folds of her crest.
  • Moving Day: Rarely needs repotting; she thrives in small, shallow containers.
  • Haircut: No pruning needed! Her "monstrous" growth is what makes her special.
  • Fresh Air: A hardy, sculptural air purifier for bright, minimalist spaces.
  • Plant Lore: "Cristata" refers to the mutation where the growing point becomes a line rather than a single point, creating the wavy "brain" look!
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