Scientific Name
Ariocarpus retusus Scheidw.
Common Name(s)
Star Rock, Living Rock, False Peyote
Synonym(s)
Anhalonium elongatum, Anhalonium furfuraceum, Anhalonium prismaticum, Anhalonium retusum, Ariocarpus confusus, Ariocarpus elongatus, Ariocarpus furfuraceus, Mammillaria furfuracea
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Ariocarpus
Description
Ariocarpus retusus is slow-growing cactus with a grey or blue-green flattened globose stem with fat triangular tubercles forming a starry rosette. It is one of the largest and fastest-growing species of the genus Ariocarpus known for its slow growth. The stem is up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall and 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter. Despite its slow growth, often taking ten years to reach flowering age, it is a desirable cactus for cultivation, having attractive flowers and an interesting form. The flowers are white to pink, occasionally with reddish midribs, and up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
You should plant your Ariocarpus in soil formulated for cacti. You can buy a cactus mix at your local nursery. Do not use generic soil mixes because they will not provide enough aeration and drainage. Additionally, using a container without a hole, whether a pot or a terrarium, is a bad idea for the same reason.
Ariocarpus need a lot of sunlight. However, in hot, dry areas, they can be damaged by excessive sunlight, so you should either use a shade cloth to limit their sun or move them out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day. In more temperate areas, direct sunlight is fine.
These cacti prefer to be kept at room temperature or slightly lower and in low humidity.
Water your Ariocarpus when it is dry, but then wait until the soil dries out completely to water it again.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Ariocarpus.
Origin
This species is found mainly in Mexico.
Subspecies and Varieties
Links
- Back to genus Ariocarpus
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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