Ariocarpus
Also called 'living stone cactus' (living rock cactus) they are long-lived plants, very resistant but very slow growing. During the year they disguise the appearance of the rocks among which they live to escape the sight of predators until, in autumn, they produce their marvelous blooms. Many species are at risk of extinction due to illegal harvesting.
Ariocarpus are flattened subsphaerical plants, a few centimeters tall or flattened to the ground or, again, buried under debris from which only the tops of the tubercles emerge.
Part of the stem and the enlarged roots form a voluminous underground caudex, with a reserve function.
GROWING MEDIUM Mixture exclusively mineral of lapillus and pumice or natural soils. |
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EXPOSURE Gradual exposure to full sun in conditions of good ventilation |
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COLD TOLERANCE Freezing winter temperature with night low below 0 °C (32 °F). |
WATERING Water moderately waiting for the soil to dry. |
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GROWING SEASON A summer cycle with growth from March to September. |
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NUTRITION Fertilization low in nitrogen with NPK titre similar to 8:16:32. |
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Ariocarpus scaphirostris
It is the most fascinating and extreme form of adaptation of the genus Ariocarpus to unfavorable growth conditions caused by very sunny positions, substantially rocky soils and high aridity. In nature the plants live almost buried, leaving only the apex of the tubercles protruding to carry out photosynthesis. More sensitive than other species to water stagnation and to the presence of organic substance in the soil which easily causes the onset of root rot. Learn More -
Ariocarpus retusus ssp. scapharostroides
Species characterized by the light green color of the cuticle and the presence of small areolas on the top of the tubercles. Very large ice-white flowers. Learn More -
Ariocarpus retusus f. elongatus
The invented name (it has no scientific value) refers to a type of Ariocarpus retusus, particular for its elongated tubercles and with more or less rounded edges. The flowers in the plants we grow are always ice-white. Learn More -
Ariocarpus retusus
S Roberto, S. Luis Potosì, Mexico.
Form of Ariocarpus retusus with short tubercles, triangular in shape, more or less corrugated on the surface and with a pronounced keel. The color is dark green tending to brown, especially in young plants. The flowers are white, frequently crossed by magenta streaks. Learn More -
Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus
Species attractive for the discoid and flattened on the ground shape of its apex, formed by numerous triangular tubercles. It develops an elongated underground caudex, cylindrical if grown in sandy soil. It blooms after just 4-6 years from sowing. The flowers are magenta or white in the albiflora form. Learn More -
Ariocarpus furfuraceus
In reality it is a superfluous species name, which identifies one of the numerous forms of the species Ariocarpus retusus, specifically those plants with angular, triangular and wrinkled tubercles on the upper face. The flowers are large, white, sometimes with magenta streaks. Learn More -
Ariocarpus fissuratus
One of the most appreciated and sought after species, for the beauty of the flowers and the interesting geometries of the cracked tubercles. Learn More -
Ariocarpus bravoanus ssp. hintonii
Matehuala, SLP, Mexico.
Small species. The color is dark olive green and the tubercles are finely papillated. The flowers, of a beautiful dark magenta, are among the earliest of the genus. Learn More