€15,90

🌱 Morphology

Solitary or clumping cactus, capable of forming numerous groups and multi-headed pads. The stems are globose to short-cylindrical, yellowish-green, and can reach approximately 10–15 cm in height and diameter. It has between 7 and 14 indistinct ribs, transformed into large conical tubercles arranged vertically or spirally. The areoles may feature small extrafloral nectaries. It develops between 6 and 20 straight or slightly curved radial spines, generally white or yellowish, and occasionally a sturdier central spine, whose color can range from yellowish-white to dark.

🌍 Habitat and geographical distribution

Endemic species to Mexico, with a distribution from Guanajuato to Hidalgo. It lives in arid environments and dry scrublands, normally associated with stony and limestone soils.

Belongs to the Cactaceae family

❄️ USDA zone and minimum growing temperatures

USDA zone 8b–11, based on its distribution and its cultivation as a dry-climate cactus. Zone 8b corresponds to average annual minimums of approximately −9.4 to −6.7 °C. Specific resistance may vary depending on the plant's origin and condition, and cold is much less problematic when the cactus is completely dry during dormancy.

☀️ Lighting

It needs intense lighting to maintain compact growth, good spination, and proper coloration. Full sun is recommended during the growing period, gradually adapting the plant if it comes from protected conditions. As a cultivation reference, a target of 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of DLI PAR can be used during the active phase.

💧 Growth cycle and watering

Winter dormancy. During winter, it must be kept completely dry. With the increase in temperatures and day length, active growth begins. In spring and summer, abundant watering is recommended, allowing the substrate to dry out completely before the next watering. Waterings should be gradually reduced at the end of summer and suspended during dormancy.

🌸 Flowering

The flowers appear on the upper part of the stem and can be yellow, purple, or carmine, a variability that reflects the morphological diversity of the species. They reach several centimeters in length and diameter. In its natural area, flowering can last for much of the warm season. In Madrid, flowering can be expected mainly from late spring through summer, depending on temperature trends. In the subspecies schmollii, two flowering peaks have been documented, in May-June and August-September, but these should not be directly extrapolated to the entire species.

🌿 Nutrition

During the growing period, Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae NPK (Ca-Mg) 4-4-7 (4-4) is recommended, with assimilable calcium and magnesium. Feeding should be concentrated in spring and summer, coinciding with active growth.

This is an inimitable xerophyte cultivated in Madrid in a technological square pot with the Desert SOIL specific substrate.

📏 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 photo description specifies the plant's measurements, but these may also vary slightly because it is a living being! Each of the plants from Desert CITY has unique characteristics.

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