Scientific Name
Stenocactus multicostatus (Hildm.) A. Berger ex A.W. Hill
Common Name(s)
Brain Cactus, Wave Cactus
Synonym(s)
Brittonrosea lloydii, Brittonrosea zacatecasensis, Echinofossulocactus erectocentrus, Echinofossulocactus lloydii, Echinofossulocactus multicostatus, Echinofossulocactus zacatecasensis, Stenocactus lloydii, Stenocactus zacatecasensis
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Stenocactus
Description
Stenocactus multicostatus is a small cactus with stems with many narrow, acute, straight or wavy ribs, densely pleated together, giving a wrinkled look to their near globular shape. The stems are grey-green to deep green, spherical to short-cylindrical, with a flat top, and have 6 to 18 short brownish spines per areole arranged crosswise. They are up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) tall and up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. Flowers are up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, white, pinkish purple or violet and have a darker violet to purple midvein.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
If you can grow cacti and succulents successfully, you can likely grow Stencactus without too much trouble. Their water and light requirements are fairly typical for many cacti species, including a cooling period in the winter to promote better blooming. Watering should be done carefully, allowing the plant to almost dry out between waterings. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. For the best viewing, instead of propagating your offsets, let the plant for a large cluster. Lastly, make sure to fertilize during the growing season for the best results.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot cacti, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Stenocactus.
Origin
This species is native to Mexico (Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas and Tamaulipas).
Links
- Back to genus Stenocactus
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
