€10,60

🌱 Morphology
Small, generally solitary, slow-growing cactus with a globose-depressed to shortly cylindrical stem, approximately 8–10 cm in diameter. It features numerous fine ribs, which are highly wavy and closely set, generally numbering between 25 and 60. The areoles are quite far apart and develop highly variable spination: several straight or slightly curved radial spines and more robust central spines that can reach several centimeters and vary in color from white to yellow, reddish, or brown. This combination of wavy ribs and variable spination gives it the characteristic "brain cactus" appearance.

🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
It is native to Mexico, with populations in the states of Hidalgo, Querétaro, Veracruz, Puebla, and Oaxaca. It lives at an altitude of approximately 1,500 to 2,600 m, in xerophytic scrublands, grasslands, and open pine, juniper, and pinyon forests, generally on rocky terrain. It belongs to the Cactaceae family.

❄️ Temperature — USDA Zone 9a–11b
It is relatively sensitive to frost. It tolerates minimum temperatures of up to −5 ºC for short periods if kept completely dry and well-acclimated. In winter, it is advisable to protect it from high atmospheric humidity and keep it dry, especially during prolonged cold spells.

☀️ Lighting
During active growth, it requires intense lighting, with an approximate goal of 18–25 mol/m²/day of DLI PAR. It tolerates direct sun if progressively acclimated, although in the hottest months it may benefit from some protection during peak intensity hours to prevent sunburn. High lighting promotes more abundant spination and proper flowering.

💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. During the active period, it is recommended to water abundantly and allow the substrate to dry out completely before watering again. In winter, watering should be reduced to a minimum or suspended when temperatures are low. It is particularly sensitive to excess moisture and root rot during dormancy.

🌸 Flowering
It produces flowers approximately 3–4 cm long, white to pale pink or purple in color, frequently with a characteristic violet central line on the petals. They appear near the apex, and in Madrid, they can mainly be expected during May and June.

🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, a fertilizer with a high content of assimilable calcium and low nitrogen levels, such as Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae, is recommended, applied once a month during watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering.

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technological square pot, with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.

S -> 9cm x 9cm

M-> 14cm x 14 cm

L->16cm x 16 cm

* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent may vary slightly from the product image. The plant measurements are specified in the photo description, but this may also vary slightly because, it is a living being! Each of the Desert CITY plants has unique characteristics.

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