{"product_id":"althea-x-sharxx-blue","title":"‘Althea’ × ‘Sharxx Blue’ Echinopsis peruviana Hybrid Cactus","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e‘Althea’ × ‘Sharxx Blue’\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is a hybrid Echinopsis peruviana selected for its heavy blue glaucous coating, thick girth, stout ribs, and frosted turquoise-to-silver color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eProvenance and Genetic Lineage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaternal parent, ‘Althea’:\u003c\/strong\u003e A notably blue Echinopsis peruviana phenotype associated with Matucana, Peru genetics. It is valued for its thick form, chunky notched ribs, and chalky blue farina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaternal parent, ‘Sharxx Blue’:\u003c\/strong\u003e A blue Echinopsis peruviana selection known for its powder-blue coloration, neat rib structure, and short golden-to-tan spines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe hybrid result:\u003c\/strong\u003e This cross brings together glaucous wax traits from both parents, producing a columnar cactus with substantial girth, bold ribs, and a deep metallic blue-to-silver complexion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide bright direct morning sun, with 20–30% shade or filtered light during the hottest afternoon hours. Excessive midday exposure can dull the glaucous bloom, while bright filtered light helps maintain deeper turquoise-blue color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a highly mineral, fast-draining cactus mix. A blend of 50–60% inorganic grit, such as perlite, pumice, volcanic scoria, or coarse granite, with 40–50% sifted organic soil or coco coir works well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water thoroughly during spring and summer, then allow the container to dry completely before watering again. Reduce or stop watering in late autumn and winter when temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Feed every 3–4 weeks during active growth, from spring through early autumn, using a balanced low-nitrogen liquid fertilizer at half strength with micronutrients and kelp.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardy to approximately USDA Zone 9b\/10. Protect from freezing temperatures, and keep completely dry during frost or temperatures below 35°F (2°C).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Orange County Cactus","offers":[{"title":"6\" Pot","offer_id":45771344052310,"sku":"45771344052310","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 Gallon Pot","offer_id":45771344085078,"sku":"45771344085078","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 Gallon Pot","offer_id":45771344117846,"sku":"45771344117846","price":199.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5 Gallon Pot","offer_id":45771344150614,"sku":"45771344150614","price":299.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Custom Pot by WCP","offer_id":45771477975126,"sku":"45771477975126","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Custom Pot by Kenny Smith","offer_id":45771478007894,"sku":"45771478007894","price":109.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5877\/5382\/files\/FullSizeRender_d33afa40-05b5-4177-9744-5a35f6714e35.jpg?v=1789509315","url":"https:\/\/occactus.com\/products\/althea-x-sharxx-blue","provider":"Orange County Cactus","version":"1.0","type":"link"}