Aztekium valdezii is a small cactus endemic to a very small area of the Sierra Madre Oriental of Nuevo León, Mexico. When viewed from above, it displays a captivating star-like shape and is particularly attractive when in bloom. This cactus was discovered in 2011 by Mario Alberto Valdéz Marroquín. However, it is not recognized as a separate species and is treated as a synonym of Aztekium ritteri.
Taxonomy of Aztekium valdezii
Scientific Name
Aztekium valdezii Velazco, M.A.Alvarado & S.Arias
Accepted Scientific Name
Aztekium ritteri (Boed.) Boed.
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Aztekium
Etymology
The specific epithet "valdezii" (pronounced "val-DEZ-ee-eye") honors Mario Alberto Valdéz Marroquín, a Mexican botanist and explorer who discovered this species in 2011.
Origin of Aztekium valdezii
Aztekium valdezii is native to Mexico and occurs in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains of Nuevo León.
Description of Aztekium valdezii
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 either solitary or produce offsets from the base, forming a small clump over time. They can reach a height of 2.4 inches (6 cm) and a nearly equal diameter. The areoles are felty, yellowish-white only when young. The spines are flattened and curved upward, measuring up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long. They drop off with age.
The flowers are deep pink or magenta, with white near the center, and appear at the stem tip in late spring and early summer. They are funnel-shaped and can reach 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.
How to Grow and Care for Aztekium valdezii
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Aztekiums are by far the most challenging cacti to grow. They have extremely slow growth, probably the slowest of the 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 their difficulty in cultivation, Aztekiums are most often grafted onto 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.
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