Aztekium valdezii | World of Succulents

Scientific Name

Aztekium valdezii Velazco, M.A.Alvarado & S.Arias

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Aztekium

Description

Aztekium valdezii is a small cactus up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) tall in habitat, star-shaped when viewed from above, simple or branched from the base. The stem is globose, greenish-grey and up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. The spines are up to 0.4 inch (1 cm) long, flattened, curved and twisted toward the apex of the plant and present only in the upper half of the stem. The flowers are funnel shaped, deep pink or magenta and white color on the proximal third, up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) long and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Flowers bloom during the late spring and early summer.

Photo via aztekia.websnadno.cz

How to Grow and Care

Aztekium are by far the most challenging and difficult cacti to grow. They are having extremely slow growth, probably the slowest of the entire cactus family. They usually take several years for growth to be even noticeable. Once a specimen is established on its own roots it is no trouble to keep it, and 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. Water carefully from below in summer and keep nearly totally 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 over watered. Provide shade from midday through the afternoon. A little morning sun is OK. If successful you’ll have tiny, white or pale pink, funnel-shaped flowers atop the plants intermittently throughout the spring and summer… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Aztekium