 |
Description: This plant differs from the
standard Ariocarpus retusus, for its short pectinated spines already
present in young specimens. The spines persist with the age, but in
adult plant they are partially covered by fur.
Stem: Dull green , flattened, globose, rounded on top, 3-12cm
high, 10-15cm in diameter.
Tubercles: Leaflike divergent, erect, basally compressed, becoming
attenuate at the apices, convex or nearly flattened
adaxially, 1.5-3cm long, 1-3cm broad, usually nearly as broad as
long (or sometime longer than broad)
Spines: 1,2 to 2,0 mm long, dull.
Areoles: At the tips and extending on the upper side of the
tubercles, elongated from 2,5 to 20,0 mm long, wooly.
Flowers: Diurnal 4-5cm in diameter., 2-4 2cm long; white to pink
Flowering time: October
Fruit: white, green, or rarely pinkish, 10-25mm long, 3-10mm in
diameter |
|
Cultivation: This species is slow growing but
certainly not as slow as some other types of cacti, it is of easy
culture in a well drained non-organic free draining soil compost, with
ample water during the growing season. Use of a weak low-nitrogen
fertilizer during the growing season can encourage growth. The main
threat to their development is root rot. Ariocarpus should be kept dry
whenever there is a threat of cold. The appearance of Ariocarpus can
benefit greatly by watering the plants from the bottom. This practice
will help to keep the “wool” on the top of the plant from becoming
matted or discoloured. Need light shade to full sun. Frost Tolerance:
Hardy to -10° C
Propagation: Ariocarpus retusus is probably the easiest species of
the genus to raise from seed, but will generally take about 6-10 years
to reach flowering size, this rare form is frequently grafted to speed
the growth rate. |
Cultivation
and Mail Sale 
