Los Gentiles × Althea – Columnar Cactus Hybrid

The Los Gentiles × Althea hybrid is an elite, seed-grown cross originating from celebrated Peruvian lineage. "Los Gentiles" traces back to wild-collected populations from the mountainous Matucana region of Peru, while "Althea" is a renowned powdery-blue clone originally isolated and distributed by Colorado-based grower GeeBee — named after the iconic Grateful Dead song. Together, this cross produces vigorous columnar specimens with thick ribs, a striking glaucous blue epidermis, and dramatic long, dark burnt-orange to honey-brown spines.

Lineage

• Los Gentiles (Mother): A famous Echinopsis peruviana lineage sourced from the Matucana region of Peru. Prized for its thick, glaucous blue-green skin, deep "V" notches above the areoles, and a robust, massive growth habit.
• Althea (Father): A legendary elite clone isolated from wild-harvested Peruvian seeds collected in the high-altitude Matucana region — famous for producing specimens with incredibly dense, powdery epidermal wax. Named and distributed to the global collector community by GeeBee.

Althea Traits Passed to Offspring

• "Althea Blue" Hue: One of the most intensely glaucous, powdery-blue clones in cultivation — the dense wax layer gives the plant a ghostly, deep pastel appearance.
• Variable Spination: In shade, takes on a single-spined look with short radial needles. In full sun, produces aggressive central spines 2–3 inches long.
• Massive Girth: A slow-growing clone that prioritizes rib thickness and width over fast vertical growth, resulting in thick, heavy columns.

Available in seedling, 4", 6", 1-gallon, 3-gallon, and 5-gallon sizes.