{"product_id":"althea-x-bbg-48-1540","title":"Echinopsis ‘Althea’ × BBG 48.1540 Blue Columnar Cactus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEchinopsis\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Althea’ × BBG 48.1540 is a blue columnar cactus hybrid for specimen containers and desert landscape focal points. Its powder-blue waxy coating, distinctive spines, and substantial upright columns bring sculptural character to a cactus collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eLineage and characteristics\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis hybrid combines GeeBee’s ‘Althea’, known for its powder-blue coating and artistic spination, with BBG 48.1540, the 1948 Berkeley Botanical Garden accession associated with vigorous growth and broad columns. The plants are described as fast-growing, with prominent V-shaped notches above the areoles and strong disease resistance. Bright, filtered sunlight helps showcase their chalky-blue coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlant care\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide 6 or more hours of sunlight. In hot desert climates, use 20%–30% shade cloth or filtered afternoon sun to help protect the waxy coating and prevent tip scorching.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a coarse, fast-draining cactus mix with 50%–60% mineral material, such as pumice, perlite, lava rock, or calcined clay, and 40%–50% organic matter or low-peat cactus potting soil.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water thoroughly during active growth from spring through early autumn, then allow the mix to dry completely. Keep dry during cool winter dormancy to help prevent root rot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Feed every 3–4 weeks during active growth with a diluted, low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer containing micronutrients.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protect from prolonged freezing. Established, dry, in-ground Echinopsis peruviana may tolerate brief temperatures around 28°F–32°F, but potted plants should overwinter in a cool, bright, frost-free location above 40°F.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSize and shipping\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvailable in a 1-gallon size. Ships bare root.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Orange County Cactus","offers":[{"title":"1 gallon","offer_id":67675503755540,"sku":"50587593867350","price":89.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 Gallon","offer_id":67675503788308,"sku":"50616925192278","price":109.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0926\/5184\/7956\/files\/FullSizeRender_074b4c55-e5cd-4a53-b5d9-18bec732d966.jpg?v=1791916314","url":"https:\/\/sanpedrodepot.com\/products\/althea-x-bbg-48-1540","provider":"San Pedro Depot","version":"1.0","type":"link"}