Picture via kammlott.net
Basic Info
Disocactus Ackermannii is commonly known as the ‘Red Orchid Cactus’. As the plant matures expect it to reach up to 17 cm (7″) long. The succulent grows in strange shapes and the leaves grow in all directions with wrinkled edges that give it that unique look. When the plant produces flowers expect it to produces red flowers.
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Hylocereeae
Genus: Disocactus
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
Disocactus Ackermannii ‘Red Orchid Cactus’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care of. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Red Orchid Cactus healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.
General Care for Disocactus Ackermannii ‘Red Orchid Cactus’
This succulent type is a unique one that blooms in the spring. When it blooms, you will enjoy red flowers. It is a nice addition to your collection of plants especially if you have it displayed in a beautiful pot.
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Quick Facts:
- Prefers full sun
- Can be grown outdoor
- Grows 17 cm (7″) long
- Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
- Does not handle cold well
- Prefers Zone 10a-11b -1.1°C (30°F)
- Best propagated by cuttings, leaves, offsets or seeds
- Flowers are red
Where to Plant
Disocactus Ackermannii ‘Red Orchid Cactus’ succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.
This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 10a-11b which is around -1.1°C (30°F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Red Orchid Cactus in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
When selecting what pot to use be sure that you understand the difference between the material used (See our guide on how to pick the best plant pot).
How to Propagate Disocactus Ackermannii ‘Red Orchid Cactus’
Red Orchid Cactus can be propagated by cuttings, leaves, offsets or seeds. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store. You can learn all about How To Repot Succulents in our guide.
Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.
How to Propagate Disocactus Ackermannii ‘Red Orchid Cactus’ By Leaves
When propagating Red Orchid Cactus with leaves. (Learn How to Propagate Succulents in detail here.) You should get a leave carefully from the mother plant. It should be a healthy leave that has no part left on the stem. In this way, the propagation will work. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
How to Propagate Disocactus Ackermannii ‘Red Orchid Cactus’ From Cuttings
When propagating Red Orchid Cactus from cuttings, cut a leaf from the mother plant carefully with a clean knife or scissors. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
How to Propagate Disocactus Ackermannii ‘Red Orchid Cactus’ From Offsets
Red Orchid Cactus propagates from offsets. To be able to propagate from the mother plant, you might wait several years for the main plant to produce an offset. To start this process, use a sharp knife and remove an offset from the main plant. When you remove the offset, clean the extra soil from it. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
How to Propagate Disocactus Ackermannii ‘Red Orchid Cactus’ Using Seeds
This succulent type is a slow grower so even if it can be propagated by its seeds, this method is not recommended. To propagate from the seeds, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture. This method can be used outdoors. In cooler areas, indoor propagating is recommended.
Origin and Habitat
Disocactus Ackermannii ‘Red Orchid Cactus’ is native to Mexico.
