Scientific Name
Aztekium valdezii Velazco, M.A.Alvarado & S.Arias
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Aztekium
Etymology
The specific epithet "valdezii (val-DEZ-ee-eye)" honors Mario Alberto Valdéz Marroquín, Mexican botanist and explorer who discovered this species in 2011.
Origin
Aztekium valdezii is native to Mexico. It occurs in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains of Nuevo León.
Description
Aztekium valdezii is a small cactus with subspherical greenish-grey stems with usually five well-pronounced ribs with transverse wrinkles and lined with closely set areoles with spines only in those close to the apex. The stems can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) tall, nearly equal in diameter, either solitary or producing offsets from the base to form a small clump. The areoles are felty, yellowish-white only when young. The spines are flattened, curved upwards, and can reach up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in length. They drop off with age.
The flowers are deep pink or magenta, white near the center, and appear at the apex in late spring and early summer. They are funnel-shaped and can measure up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are small, berry-like, pink, naked, and open when ripe, letting out tiny dark brown seeds.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Aztekiums are by far the most challenging and difficult cacti to grow. They have extremely slow growth, probably the slowest of the entire Cactus family. It usually takes several years for growth to be even noticeable. However, once a specimen is established on its own roots, it is no trouble to keep it, and it becomes an easy plant to manage.
Because of the difficulty of cultivation, Aztekiums are most often grafted to hardier stock. They need good drainage and regular water in summer. Keep it nearly dry in winter. If grafted, the plants can take a little more water. Just remember the graft stock is also a cactus and will rot if overwatered. Provide shade from midday through the afternoon. A little morning sun is OK.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aztekium.
Links
- Back to genus Aztekium
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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