€47,70

🌱 Morphology
A monstrose and inermis form of Echinofossulocactus multicostatus, a slow-growing cactus with an extraordinarily variable morphology. The stem develops numerous very narrow, wavy, and deeply deformed ribs that lose the regular arrangement characteristic of the species and form irregular ridges, folds, and protuberances. In this form, furthermore, the spines are absent or extremely reduced, leaving the areole structures and the unique relief of the stem visible. The monstrose form can produce lateral branches and develop compact, sculptural-looking clusters over time. The monstrose forms of E. multicostatus are documented as cultivars of horticultural origin.

🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
It is a horticultural form derived from Echinofossulocactus multicostatus, a species native to northeastern Mexico and extending southwest to Jalisco. The species lives in arid and semi-arid regions, mainly in xerophilous scrublands and desert vegetation environments. It belongs to the Cactaceae family. The monstrose form does not originate from a distinct natural population, but rather from selection and propagation in cultivation.

❄️ Temperature — USDA Zone 8a–11b
It is a form of Echinofossulocactus multicostatus that can be grown in relatively cold environments as long as it remains dry and is properly acclimated. It tolerates minimum temperatures down to −9 ºC occasionally in dry and well-acclimated specimens. During episodes of intense cold, the combination of low temperatures and humidity should be especially avoided.

☀️ Lighting
During active growth, it requires very intense lighting, with an approximate target of 18–25 mol/m²/day of PAR DLI. Direct sun encourages compact growth and allows the extraordinary architecture of the ribs to be better appreciated. Specimens grown under protection should be gradually acclimated to high levels of radiation.

💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. During the active period, it is recommended to water abundantly, allowing the substrate to dry out completely before watering again. In winter, it should be kept dry or practically dry, especially when temperatures are low. The irregular structure of monstrose forms can accumulate moisture in their numerous folds, so rapid evaporation and a highly draining substrate are especially important.

🌸 Flowering
The species produces small flowers, approximately 2.5 cm in diameter, which appear at the crown. They can be white, pink, violet, or purple, generally with a darker central vein. In Madrid, flowering can occur mainly between April 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® Cactáceas is recommended, applied once a month when watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Floración.

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

8x8 cm Gourmet Pot

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