Matucana madisoniorum – Rare Peruvian Flowering Cactus

🌿 Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Matucana madisoniorum

• Family: Cactaceae

• Genus: Matucana

• Origin: Native to the mountain regions of Peru (Amazonas & Chachapoyas)

• Common Name: Madison’s Matucana, Globe Cactus

🌸 Plant Description

Matucana madisoniorum is a rare, globular cactus highly admired for its smooth, round body and spectacular orange-red flowers. The plant typically grows solitary, forming a perfect sphere up to 10–15 cm in diameter and 8–12 cm tall.

The stem is dark green to bluish-grey, with few or no visible ribs, making it look almost smooth. Its areoles are small, woolly, and evenly spaced, bearing short, curved spines that range from white to brownish-grey — sometimes appearing nearly spineless.

In spring and summer, it produces large, tubular orange-red to scarlet flowers (up to 6–8 cm long). These blooms contrast beautifully with the dark stem, making Matucana madisoniorum one of the most attractive flowering cacti in any collection.

🌞 Growing Conditions

• Light: Prefers bright indirect light or filtered sun; protect from harsh midday rays.

• Temperature: Ideal range 18–30°C; protect from frost below 10°C.

• Watering: Water moderately in summer; keep dry in winter dormancy.

• Soil: Well-draining cactus mix with sand, pumice, or gravel.

• Fertilizer: Use diluted cactus fertilizer once a month during active growth.

• Propagation: By seed or offsets; slow-growing but long-lived.

🪴 Uses

• Perfect for indoor displays, cactus collections, or succulent gardens.

• Excellent as a gift plant due to its exotic flowers and low maintenance.

• Ideal for terrariums, balconies, or small pots.

🧩 Key Features

✅ Rare Peruvian species with smooth, spherical stem
✅ Brilliant orange-red tubular flowers
✅ Easy to grow and drought-tolerant
✅ Minimal spines — safe and decorative
✅ Excellent for collectors and beginners