Ariocarpus is a genus of cacti that belongs to the group commonly referred to as a Living Rock. They can survive without water for up to a year. Even though a plant like that seems foolproof, there are many things you can do to improve its health.
Growing Conditions
Soil: You should plant your Ariocarpus in cacti-specific soil. You can buy a cactus mix at your local nursery. Do not use generic soil mixes, as they will not provide sufficient aeration and drainage. Additionally, using a container without a hole, whether a pot or a terrarium, is a bad idea for the same reason.
Light: Ariocarpus needs a lot of sunlight. However, in hot, dry areas, excessive sunlight can damage these cacti, so you should use a shade cloth to limit their exposure or move them out of it during the hottest hours of the day. In more temperate areas, direct sunlight is fine.
Temperature: Ariocarpus cacti prefer to be kept at room temperature or slightly lower, with low humidity.
Water: Water your Ariocarpus from spring to fall, but wait until the soil dries out before watering again. The amount of time this takes will vary depending on your climate and whether you use a pot. Remember, when dealing with any cactus, watering too often is much worse than not watering enough. Do not water during winter.
Repotting
As your Ariocarpus outgrows its container, you will need to repot it. If you are raising your plant from a seed or cutting, you should wait at least two years before moving it to a larger pot. Moving it sooner could be unhealthy. It is best to wait until your Ariocarpus grows as wide as your pot.
Wait for the soil to dry out, then gently remove your plant and as much soil as you can. Next, cut off the tip of the main root; this will encourage the growth of new, smaller roots that take in more nutrients. Making an open, wet cut in the soil can attract fungus, so allow your Ariocarpus to dry out before replanting. No,w it is time to get your Ariocarpus back into its pot. The easiest way to plant it, rather than struggling to put it in the soil while balancing it in the center, is to roll a newspaper into a cylinder and use it as a temporary pot. You can wrap it around your plant and fill it with soil, then once you are finished, put the whole thing into your real pot.
Propagation
Ariocarpus cacti can be grown from seeds and transplanted from cuttings or bare roots. Either way, plant your Ariocarpus in the spring. For a cutting, allow the end to dry out before planting it in the moist cactus mix. Keep the soil slightly moist and mist the cutting regularly. For a seed, plant it and cover it with a layer of sand. Either way, you will want to avoid overwatering your Ariocarpus. Additionally, you should keep it out of direct sunlight completely until it grows.
Source: doityourself.com
Links
- Back to genus Ariocarpus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus