Aztekium valdezii

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, solitary or branched from the base and up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) tall. The stem is globose, star-shaped when viewed from above, 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. They  bloom during the late spring and early summer.

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 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. 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 overwatered. Provide shade from midday through the afternoon. A little morning sun is OK.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Aztekium.

Origin

Aztekium valdezii is native to Mexico.

Links

• Back to genus Aztekium
• Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus

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