Uebelmannia pectinifera

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 Below is the detailed  description of the Uebelmania pectinifera species. You can find here answer on many questions about this species.

Family: Cactaseae

Scientific Name: Uebelmannia pectinifera Buining 1967

Origin: Brazil (mountain of Minas Gerais).

It is only known from one location, north east of Diamantina, mountain of Minas Gerais, in Brazil. (cactus-art.biz)

Conservation Status: Listed in CITES Appendix 1

Etymology: The species name "pectinifera" comes from the Latin for "bearing combs".

Recommended Temperature Zone: USDA: 10b-12

This is one of the most striking and recognisable Uebemannia with a green to deep purple or reddish-brown, firm, almost lizard-skin textured 'skin' and spines on vertical ribs.

Description: Solitary cactus, 4 to 6 inches wide (10-15 cm), 20 inches tall (50 cm); 15 to 18 prominent ribs; close set areoles; 1 to 4 central spines, up to 0.6 inch long (1.5 cm), in the classical look, the spines are straight and give a comb-like effect.

Stem: Solitary cactus 50(-80)cm tall.
Stem: Although usually globular or slightly elongated in cultivation, it is reported to grow to as much as 800mm tall and 10-15 cm wide. It is dark reddish-green to reddish-brown, with off-white scales. (In cultivation the colour of the plants depends on sun exposure, the plants grown in shadow are green with white stripes, while the ones in full sun take on a dark frost brown or purple colour)

Flowers: Diurnal, funnel-shaped greenish yellow. They are 15 mm long, 12 mm in diameter.

Blooming Habits: The diurnal yellow flowers come sporadically. They are 0.6 inch long (15 mm), 0.5 inch in diameter (12 mm).

Bloom Time: Mid Fall

Flowers come sporadically from Early spring to Late Summer (cactus-art.biz)

Fruits:

Seeds:

Habitat: The plants are found growing in dry savanna and rocky areas in rock cracks or in pockets or small flat areas of organic leaf mould and sand found among rocks at about 1000m altitude. It is threatened by habitat loss. U. pectinifera is more common in collections than it is in habitat

Sun Exposure: Full sun, possibly afternoon shade in summer in very hot climates

 Water Needs: Regular water; do not overwater. Root prone if kept cold in winter, sometimes grafted to eliminate this problem. Enjoys humid air.

Cultivation: This tropical cactus loves warm moist, humid conditions and mist spraying is a must in summer. Water regularly during the growing season and use a very draining mineral potting substrate. At the onset of winter, do not water. Uebelmannias need heat all year round and extra winter heat, minimum 10C is best. Avoid any frost. Keep cool in summer. This plant prove to be root prone if kept too cold in winter. To help stop this, a good deep collar of pumice or lava grit is an excellent idea. It prefers a  position in full sun, and possibly afternoon shade in summer. If you can place it so that this occurs, the plant will be much happier.

 Min Temperature 60°F (15°C)

Frost Tolerance: Keep above 40°F (4°C) in winter, avoid any frost

Heat Tolerance: Keep cool in summer

Propagation Methods: From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; direct sow after last frost. Seeds, but plants are often grafted, making them easier to grow, particularly through the winter.  If possible using a rootstock that is more hardy than the Uebelmannia is ideal.