Scientific Name
Ariocarpus scaphirostris Boed.
Common Names
Living Rock Cactus
Synonyms
Ariocarpus scapharostrus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Ariocarpus
Description
Ariocarpus scaphirostris is a slow-growing geophytic cactus with a grey-green stem that rises barely above ground level. The stem is solitary, subglobose or globose, more or less rounded on top and up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) tall. Tubercles are erect, spineless, and up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. Flowers are magenta, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter, and appear in fall. Fruits are greenish, up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long, and up to 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter.
Photo via cactus-art.biz
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 specifically 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 it is 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. The amount of time this takes will vary depending on your climate and the size of your pot if you use one.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Ariocarpus.
Origin
Ariocarpus scaphirostris is native to Mexico.
Links
- Back to genus Ariocarpus
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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