Scientific Name
Pediocactus bradyi L.D.Benson
Common Name(s)
Brady's Hedgehog Cactus, Brady's Pediocactus, Brady's Pincushion Cactus, Brady Plains Cactus, Marble Canyon Cactus
Synonym(s)
Pediocactella bradyi, Pediocactus bradyi subsp. bradyi, Pediocactus simpsonii subsp. bradyi, Puebloa bradyi, Toumeya bradyi
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Pediocactus
Origin
Pediocactus bradyi is endemic to Arizona in the United States and restricted to Marble Canyon in Coconino County.
Description
Pediocactus bradyi is a small cactus with globose, usually solitary stems that can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) tall and 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Each areole has some wool and several yellowish to white, slightly curved spines measuring up to 0.5 inches (0.5 cm) long. There are occasionally 1 or 2 central spines that are darker in color.
The flowers appear in the early spring and can reach up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in length and 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter. They have red or green-striped yellowish outer tepals and pale yellow inner tepals. The fruits are green, ripening red-brown, and can grow about 0.4 inches (1 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 45 °F (+7.2 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Pediocactus are difficult to grow on their own roots and are cultivated only by skilled and experienced cactus growers. The growing medium must be porous to drain well and dry out completely. It does best in partial shade and needs protection from the sun during the hottest part of the summer.
These cacti do not like high temperatures and humidity levels in greenhouses. Pediocactus should be placed in a well-ventilated position. They like "wind." Water them moderately from spring to fall and let them dry out between waterings. Then, stop watering and allow them to go dormant for the winter months.
Pediocactus are very slow growers. For this reason, they are frequently grafted on strong, hardy cactus stocks like Opuntia and Echinocereus.
The flower buds stay dormant on the plant apex all winter and will open in spring when temperatures rise.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Pediocactus.
Links
- Back to genus Pediocactus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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