Habitat photos of ashen-white clusters of this and related varieties have been much published inspiring many collectors to grow these plants. However, producing the ghostly epidermis of wild plants remains a horticultural challenge. Age and high light intensity are the primary factors required; proper watering and nutrition are also important but difficult to quantify. Nevertheless, seedlings have their own appeal with sometimes purplish-blushed, olive-green stems and golden yellow-brown spines. HBG 95222, plants from controlled pollination of Karel Knize # 1384, originally collected in the Antofagasta region of Chile, between Paposo and Taltal, at 200 m altitude. $7.50.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 79 (2), March - April, 2007