Lobivia cinnabarina

Common Names

Vermillion Easter Lily Cactus

Summary

Native to the Bolivian Andes, this solitary flattened cactus grows up to 15 cm in diameter with bright green stems and a depressed apex, features about 20 irregular ribs with tubercles, and rounded areoles bearing white felt; 2–3 central spines are curved and 8–12 slender marginal spines measure about 0.6–1.2 cm. Flowers are scarlet to deep red, bell- to funnel-shaped, open in daylight at the shoot apex, and reach up to 4 cm across, with the epithet cinnabarina referring to vermilion-red coloration.

Cultivation emphasizes bright exposure with full sun to half shade, well-drained soil, and regular watering in the growing season, with a dry winter rest; it can be grown under glass in a standard cactus mix and kept dry in winter, and is frost resistant to -12°C if kept dry. Propagation is by direct sow after last frost or by offsets when available.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-19.5 inches

Spread

6 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8a

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun and partial shade

Soil Type

Well-drained, very porous cactus soil; loam and sand mix; additions of pumice, perlite, or grit

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, very porous soil.

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green, Brown

Growth Rate

Slow growth, 2–5 years to reach full size.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Autumn (Fall), Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees and other pollinating insects are attracted.