€58,30

🌱 Morphology
A very slow-growing miniature, generally solitary, although it can form small clusters with age. The body is globose or flattened-globose, grayish-green, ash-gray, or slightly purple in color, reaching approximately 4–8 cm in height and 2.5–6 cm in diameter. The apex is sunken and covered by a tuft of wool and erect spines. The tiny tubercles are arranged in a spiral and are practically hidden under an extraordinary covering of 20–35, up to 40 radial spines per areole, which are white or grayish, fine, and pectinate, overlapping to form the characteristic appearance of a small white ball.

🌍 Distribution, habitat and family
Its natural range extends from Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas to northeastern Mexico, within the Chihuahuan Desert. It inhabits areas primarily between 500 and 1,800 m, on hills, slopes, ridges, and rocky terrain, frequently in well-draining limestone substrates. It is a Least Concern (LC) species.
Family Cactaceae · Subfamily Cactoideae · Tribe Cacteae 

❄️ Temperature · USDA Zone 8a
It tolerates minimum temperatures as low as −12 ºC for short periods and with the substrate completely dry. Hardiness depends largely on the roots remaining absolutely dry during the cold; excess winter humidity is a much greater risk than an occasional frost.

☀️ Lighting
It requires plenty of light and direct sun, which promote compact growth and a dense covering of white spines. During peak summer sun, it may appreciate light protection if grown in very hot climates. A PAR radiation of 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ (DLI) is recommended.

💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. During the active period, it is recommended to water moderately and allow the substrate to dry completely before the next watering. It is especially sensitive to excess water and waterlogging at the root collar. From autumn onwards, waterings should be progressively reduced until the plant is kept completely dry during the winter.

🌸 Flowering
Its tiny flowers are a true botanical curiosity: barely 6–9 mm, pale pink, pinkish-white, or very light yellow in color, appearing at the apex and barely protruding between the spines. They are diurnal, and the main blooming occurs between February and April, although under cultivation, it may extend into spring. First flowering is documented at approximately 4–6 years from seed. It is also self-fertile, so an isolated plant can produce fruit and seeds. After flowering, characteristic coral-red cylindrical fruits appear, up to about 2 cm, which remain visible among the spines.

🌿 Nutrition
During active growth, Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae NPK (Ca-Mg) 4-4-7 (4-4) is recommended once a month along with watering. Assimilable calcium promotes the formation of firm tissues and maintains turgidity, while magnesium participates in chlorophyll synthesis. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering.

🪴 Pot
8x8 cm gourmet black pot

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

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