€15,90

Tephrocactus articulatus (Pfeiff.) Backeb. · ‘Diadematus’ 

🌱 Morphology
    Slow-growing shrubby cactus with jointed stems that can reach 30–40 cm in height and form loose clumps. It is composed of fleshy, globose, ovoid or elongated segments, approximately 3–7 cm long, with a grey-green, grey-blue or grey-brown epidermis. The segments feature inconspicuous tubercles and large areoles, distributed on the upper areas. In the form traditionally called diadematus, the areoles produce flattened, flexible, papery spines, generally white, cream or brown, which can reach 5–10 cm in length. Their arrangement around the segments resembles a diadem, from which the historical epithet derives. It also features reddish or brown glochids, fine and easily detached. The segments separate easily and can root when they come into contact with the soil. The root system is branched and adapted to dry soils.

🌍 Distribution, habitat and family
Native to western and central Argentina, in the arid environments of the country's northwestern and central-western provinces. It grows on dry slopes, sandy plains and stony ground, approximately between 500 and 2,500 m above sea level, depending on the population. It is adapted to low rainfall, strong sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. The ease with which the segments detach and root favors its vegetative propagation in these environments.

Family Cactaceae · subfamily Opuntioideae · tribe Tephrocacteae. 

❄️ Temperature · USDA zone 8b
Tolerates brief minimum temperatures close to −7 ºC in dry conditions and with proper acclimatization. Effective resistance depends on the duration of the frost, the moisture of the substrate and the origin of the specimen. When in a pot, it should be protected from prolonged damp cold, especially during its winter dormancy.

☀️ Lighting
It requires intense lighting and benefits from gradual exposure to direct sunlight, which promotes compact growth and the formation of robust segments. Good ventilation reduces the risk of damage from persistent moisture. During active growth, a reference of 18–25 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of PAR DLI is recommended, with gradual acclimatization if it comes from a shaded cultivation.

💧 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 requires a very well-draining substrate with a high proportion of mineral components. Detached segments can root if placed on a dry and airy substrate once any wound has calloused over.

🌸 Flowering
Produces flowers approximately 3.5–4 cm in diameter, pearlescent white or slightly pink. They appear on the areoles of the segments, mainly during spring and summer, depending on growing conditions. The fruits are globose or obconic, around 2 cm in diameter, and acquire pink tones as they ripen. There is insufficient consistent data to establish a minimum age for first flowering or to ensure regular re-flowering in successive seasons.

🌿 Nutrition
During active growth, Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae 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 cultivated in Madrid in a technological square pot with a substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.

📏 Gourmet xerophyte in a 9x9 cm pot.

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

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