Lepismium houlletianum
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Lepismium houlletianum

Snowdrop cactus · Red-Bead Cactus · Bolivian leafy cactus

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: partial_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 10–12
Click count
108
Observations
99

Description

Source: leafsnap

Lepismium houlletianum is a species of plant in the family Cactaceae. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, and possibly Bolivia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Care Guide

💧 Water

The Snowdrop cactus thrives in a humid, tropical environment with consistent moisture, demonstrating moderate tolerance to drought. To keep it healthy, water the cactus every three weeks. As an epiphyte, it benefits from higher humidity levels, making it well-suited for terrariums or bathrooms where moisture is plentiful.

☀️ Light Partial sun

The snowdrop cactus is native to habitats with dappled light, such as forest understories or rocky locations that offer natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can also tolerate full sun.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Snowdrop cactus prospers in warm conditions and requires relatively high temperatures during the growing season to encourage growth and metabolic activity. It prefers plenty of sunlight, appropriate moisture, and good airflow. However, it is vulnerable to damage from very low temperatures and from overwatering. It is important to maintain a balance and also avoid temperatures that are too high or conditions that are too dry.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

For the Snowdrop cactus, light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are adequate. Do not fertilize in winter or summer when the plant is dormant. Use less fertilizer on repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before fertilizing. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and encourages blooming.

🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

Repot Snowdrop cactus during spring or summer, choosing a pot slightly larger than the current one that offers good drainage. Use a sandy or gritty cactus mix that drains well. Handle the plant carefully to avoid its spines. Allow the cactus to dry out before repotting to help prevent root rot. After repotting, wait about a week before watering so the roots can heal.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning

The snowdrop cactus requires minimal pruning. However, it is important to remove any withered flowers and branches. This helps direct nutrients to the healthy parts of the plant, promoting overall vitality.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Succulent
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Lepismium
Family
Cactaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
30 cm to 49 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
White
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Summer

Tags (6)

Common Names (3)

en Snowdrop cactus
en Red-Bead Cactus
en Bolivian leafy cactus