€15,90

🌱 Morphology

Solitary or clumping cactus, capable of forming numerous groups and multi-headed mounds. 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. Areoles may have small extrafloral nectary glands. It develops between 6 and 20 straight or slightly curved radial spines, usually white or yellowish, and occasionally a more robust central spine, whose color can vary from yellowish-white to dark.

🌍 Habitat and geographical distribution

Endemic species of Mexico, with distribution from Guanajuato to Hidalgo. It lives in arid environments and dry scrublands, usually associated with rocky and calcareous soils. It belongs to the Cactaceae family.

❄️ USDA Zone and minimum cultivation temperatures

USDA Zone 8b–11, taking its distribution and cultivation as a dry-climate cactus as a reference. Zone 8b corresponds to average annual lows of approximately −9.4 to −6.7 °C. The specific hardiness may vary depending on the origin and condition of the plant, and cold is much less problematic when the cactus is completely dry during dormancy.

☀️ Lighting

It needs intense light to maintain compact growth, good spination, and adequate coloration. Full sun is recommended during the growing period, with progressive adaptation if the plant 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. It should be kept completely dry during winter. With increasing temperatures and day length, active growth begins. In spring and summer, abundant watering is recommended, allowing the substrate to dry completely before the next watering. Watering should be progressively reduced at the end of summer and suspended during dormancy.

🌸 Flowering

Flowers appear at the top of the stem and can be yellow, purple, or crimson, a variability that reflects the morphological diversity of the species. They reach several centimeters in length and diameter. In its natural habitat, flowering can last for a good part of the warm season. In Madrid, it can be expected mainly from late spring to summer, depending on temperature evolution. 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 growth period, Desert CHOICE® Cacti NPK (Ca-Mg) 4-4-7 (4-4) is recommended, with assimilable calcium and magnesium. Application should be concentrated in spring and summer, coinciding with active growth.

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

📏 Gourmet xerophyte in a 9x9 cm pot.

* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent 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 Desert CITY's plants has unique characteristics.

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