Emm's Plant House

Rebutia muscula 8.5cm H16cm

£11.00 GBP

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Taxes included.

Pot Size 8.5cm H16cm

Quantity

Rebutia muscula is a compact, heavily clumping cactus prized for its soft, snow-white spines and vivid orange flowers. Its rounded, “snowball” appearance and cheerful blooms make it an adorable addition to any sunny windowsill. Easy-care, charming, and space-efficient, it’s an ideal choice for collectors and beginners alike.

Full Botanical Name: Rebutia muscula
Common Names: Orange Snowball Cactus, Little Mouse Cactus
Country and/or Region of Origin: Bolivia (high-altitude rocky slopes)
Growing Conditions in Native Habitat: Grows in bright, cool, high-altitude environments with excellent drainage, intense sun, and long dry periods

Care Guide

Care Guide:

Light: Bright light with several hours of direct sun daily; east or south-facing windowsills are ideal.

Ideal Room: Sunny windowsill in living rooms, conservatories, offices, or kitchens

Feeding: Use a diluted cactus fertiliser once a month during spring–summer; stop feeding in autumn and winter.

Humidity: Low humidity preferred; thrives in dry indoor air.

Ideal Temperature: 18–24°C in summer; cooler winter rest at 5–10°C for improved flowering (but protect from frost).

Watering: Water thoroughly, then allow soil to dry out completely. In winter, keep almost fully dry to prevent rot.

Pet/Child Safe: Generally non-toxic (genus level), but the spines can cause injury. Keep out of reach of curious pets and children.

Soil Type: Very gritty, fast-draining cactus mix with added pumice, grit, or perlite

Propagation: Remove offsets (pups) once they have developed small roots; allow cut areas to callus before replanting

Eventual Height and Spread: Individual heads 3–5 cm; clumps can reach 10–15+ cm across

Growth Rate: Slow to moderate; forms clusters over time

Pests and Treatment: Occasionally susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites; treat with cactus-safe insecticide or neem oil

Repotting: Every 2–3 years into a slightly larger pot; keep pots small to avoid overwatering

Pruning: None required—simply remove dried flowers or shrivelled pups

Air Purification: Low impact, but excellent for brightening spaces with its colourful blooms

Folklore: In some cactus-collecting traditions, Rebutia species are believed to bring “sunshine energy” into the home due to their bright, cheerful flowers

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