Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus

Synonyms:

Anhalonium fissipedum
Anhalonium kotchubeyi
Anhalonium kotschoubeyanum
Ariocarpus rotchubeyanus
Cactus Kotschubeyi Kuntze
Roseocactus kotschoubeyanus

Habitat:

This species is native to Mexico and endemic in South America from central Coahuila to Queretaro.

Description:

This species is a flat, geophyte cactus: it forms a star-shaped, usually solitary rosette with large, dark olive green, triangulate tubercles. The tubecles forms a central areolar hollow extending to the tips of the tubercles. During autumn, it will bloom with bright pink – deep purple flowers, which are diurnal and will last up to 4 days.

Cultivation:

This species needs a well-drained soil: you can put it in deep container with loose mineral substrate. It need a good amount of light to grow. Water it weekly during summertime, letting the soil get dry before watering again; you can also add a little fertilizer. This plant is theorically frost hardy to -10°C.

Propagation:

Propagation can be done by seeds: avoid strong light and dry conditions and repot them frequently.

Curiosity:

The variety elephantidens grows much larger than the other Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus.