Porcelain Plume Hildewinteria hybrid 'Feder'

A sophisticated collector’s hybrid distinguished by massive, multi-tonal blooms ranging from soft pink to a creamy center.

1. Origin & History of Name: The cultivar epithet 'Feder' is German for "feather." This name was chosen by German hybridizers to evoke the delicate, lightweight texture of the flower petals and the soft, plume-like appearance of the plant's spination. It reflects the strong tradition of cactus hybridization in Germany, where this specific clone was selected for its exceptional floral size and texture.
2. Morphology: This hanging lithophyte features cascading cylindrical stems armed with dense, fine bristles. Its primary commercial value lies in the flower morphology: the blooms are significantly larger than the genus average, displaying a complex color stratification. The outer tepals are flushed with a soft pink, transitioning to a luminous cream interior, finally centering on a vibrant yellow throat and nectary, creating a "tricolor" effect within a single bloom.
3. Habitat & Origin: Hildewinteria 'Feder' is a horticultural cultivar and does not occur in the wild. It was developed through controlled breeding programs, likely crossing H. aureispina or H. colademononis with large-flowered Trichocereus hybrids to achieve the increased flower size. All specimens are sustainably produced via vegetative propagation, protecting wild ancestral populations in Bolivia.
4. Cultivation Profile:
   • Substrate: Requires a highly aerated, mineral-based mix (e.g., pumice, zeolite, lava rock) with very low organic matter to ensure rapid drainage.
   • Light: Thrives in bright, filtered sunlight; direct exposure should be limited to morning hours to prevent epidermal scorching.
   • Water/Dormancy: Water thoroughly during the active growing season, allowing the substrate to dry completely between irrigations. Maintain a cool (8-10°C), dry winter dormancy to stimulate vernalization and bud formation.
5. Scientific/Historical Anecdote: The Hildewinteria genus (often synonymous with Cleistocactus winteri) evolved zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical) flowers specifically adapted for hummingbird pollination. Hybrids like 'Feder' are scientifically significant because they retain this specialized floral architecture—essential for bird pollination—while successfully incorporating genes for the massive flower size usually associated with nocturnal, moth-pollinated cacti like Echinopsis.