Scientific Name
Cochemiea theresae (Cutak) Doweld
Synonym(s)
Mammillaria saboae var. theresae, Mammillaria theresae
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Cochemiea
Etymology
The specific epithet "theresae" (pronounced "thee-REH-say") honors Theresa Bock, who, with her husband John, discovered this species in 1966 on the Coneto Mountains in Durango, Mexico.
Description
Cochemiea theresae, formerly known as Mammillaria theresae, is a charming small cactus with subspherical to cylindrical, usually solitary or sparingly clustered stems covered with short, white to yellowish-white spines. The stems are green with a red or magenta hue. They can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) tall and 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are funnel-shaped, pink with pale yellow stigmas, and can reach 2 inches (5 cm) in length and 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter. They appear mainly in spring but also sporadically throughout summer. This species has cryptocarpic fruits, meaning that fruits and seeds are produced and retained within the stems. They are club-shaped and can measure up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in length.
Origin
Cochemiea theresae is native to Mexico. It occurs on limestone outcrops in the Corneto Pass in Durango.
Forms
How to Grow and Care for Cochemiea theresae
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
To encourage better flowering, allow the plants to enjoy a cooling period in the winter and suspend watering. Unlike many other cacti, which use their ribs as storage devices, Mammillaria features raised tubercles, from which spines emerge. When you water, the tubercles expand to increase water storage. The flowers emerge from the axils of these tubercles on the previous year's growth, which accounts for their interesting halo effect. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and standing water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, ensure to fertilize during the growing season for the best results.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot Mammillaria, ensure the soil is dry, then gently remove the plant from its pot. Gently remove the old soil from the roots, discarding any rotted or dead roots. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill it with potting soil, spreading the roots as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Mammillaria.
Links
- Back to genus Cochemiea
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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