Scientific Name
Discocactus horstii Buining & Brederoo
Synonym(s)
Discocactus woutersianus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Discocactus
Description
Discocactus horstii is a small cactus with a spherical, usually solitary stem with 12 to 22 prominent ribs and topped with a flat cephalium. The stem grows up to 2 inches (5 cm) tall. It is green and turns dark red or brown as it ages. The cephalium is up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. Flowers are nocturnal, fragrant, white, and appear in summer. They are up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. Fruits are white and contain black seeds.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Discocactus is probably one of the most difficult cacti to keep growing on its own roots and is almost always seen as a grafted plant. If growing on its own roots is attempted, the soil must be extremely free-draining, and watering should only take place after the compost has dried out and then only on sunny and warm days.
Discocactus are tropical species and should be kept warm in winter. The grafted plants are less cold-sensitive, but none has any frost tolerance. Mature Discocactus stop growing and instead divert their energy into developing a cephalium. The cephalium is a specialized flowering head, generally covered with fibers.
Discocactus will take full sun but prefers a little shade in the afternoon. Water with extreme care after the compost has dried out.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Discocactus.
Origin
This species is native to Minas Gerais, Brazil, at an altitude of about 3280 feet (1000 m).
Links
- Back to genus Discocactus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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