€21,20

Tephrocactus aoracanthus (Lem.) Lem.

🌱 Morphology
     Shrubby cactus with an open habit and irregular branching, which can reach about 30–50 cm in height and form extensive colonies through the accumulation of detached and rooted segments. The stems are composed of globose or ovoid articulated segments, approximately 5–8 cm long, with prominent tubercles and a grey-green epidermis. The joints between the segments are fragile, an adaptation that facilitates vegetative propagation. The areoles on the upper part of the segments are large and can develop between 1 and 7 main spines, rigid, thick, and very long, whitish, ochre, or brown, often with a dark tip. The most developed spines reach 15 cm and, exceptionally, nearly 20 cm. Small glochids may go unnoticed among the spines. This combination of rounded segments and long, rigid, and sharp spines is one of its most characteristic features. The root system is branched and relatively shallow, capable of producing adventitious roots from the segments that come into contact with the soil. It does not have a characteristic tuberous root.

🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
Native to western and central-western Argentina, especially the provinces of La Rioja, San Juan, and Mendoza, also found in parts of Córdoba and San Luis. It grows on sandy or clayey plains, stony soils, and open slopes of the arid Monte, approximately between 400 and 2,200 m above sea level, depending on the population. It is adapted to scarce and irregular rainfall, strong sunlight, and wide temperature fluctuations. The ease with which its segments detach and root allows it to form dense clumps even in very dry environments.

Cactaceae family ·Opuntioideae subfamily ·Opuntieae tribe. 

❄️ Temperature · USDA Zone 8b
Tolerates minimum temperatures close to −7 ºC if well acclimated and the substrate remains dry. Some cultivation references indicate lower tolerances, close to −9 ºC, but resistance depends on the origin of the clone, the duration of the frost, and humidity. When in a pot, it should be protected from prolonged damp cold.

☀️ Lighting
Needs full sun to develop compact segments and thick, robust spines. With insufficient light, the segments may grow weaker and the spines may lose their consistency. During active growth, a reference of 18–25 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of DLI PAR is recommended, with good ventilation and gradual acclimation if it comes from a shaded greenhouse.

💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. Keep completely dry during the winter, especially at low temperatures. In spring and summer, water thoroughly and let the substrate dry out completely before watering again. It needs a predominantly mineral, very well-draining substrate and a pot with large drainage holes. Detached segments can root when in contact with a sandy substrate, provided the wounds are dry and healed.

🌸 Flowering
Produces flowers approximately 5–6 cm long, white or pink, with perianth segments ending in a small point. They appear mainly during spring and summer, depending on environmental conditions. The flowers contrast with the rounded segments and long spines. The fruits may retain prominent spines on the upper areoles and contain irregularly shaped seeds. 

🌿 Nutrition
During active growth, Desert CHOICE® Cactáceas NPK (Ca-Mg) 4-4-7 (4-4) is recommended. Assimilable calcium promotes the formation of firm tissues and the maintenance of turgidity, while magnesium participates in chlorophyll synthesis.

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

 📏 Gourmet xerophyte in a 9x9 cm pot.

* Since this is an online purchase, the appearance of the sent specimen may vary slightly from the product image. The photo description specifies the plant's measurements, but these may also vary slightly because it is a living thing! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.

• Hassle-free returns

• Free Shipping on orders over €79.99

• Secure and protected payment guaranteed.