This is a very special genus. They live in the Andes together with Rebutia (in broad sense, with Aylostera and Mediolobivia), Lobivia and Sulcorebutia and still behave differently. They like the sun but thrive in semi-shade. First bright sun in spring can burn them in no time but after that the danger passes away. Water may be given to them twice a year or twice a fortnight. Small species from Argentina flower with big flowers, big species from Bolivia flower with small flowers (in both cases they may be yellow, red or orange). In spite of being high-mountain beings they should be overwintered in comparatively high temperatures, around 12°C.