Synonyms:

Cactus elephantidens
Echinocactus elephantidens
Mammillaria elephantidens

Habitat:

Coryphantha elephantidens is native to Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast and Mexico Southwest. The name “Tanshi Zougemaru” reflects its Japanese horticultural origins, emphasizing its decorative aesthetics. In its natural habitat the plant can be found up to 2000 m of altitude. It grows on rocky volcanic soils and can withstand long periods of drought and intense sunlight.

Description:

Coryphantha elephantidens cv. Tanshi Zougemaru is a rare cactus belonging to the Cactaceae botanical family. The plant has a big globular stem that can reach up to 20 cm in diameter and 15 cm in height; it is smaller than the cultivar Titan but very similar. The stem is fleshy, bluish-green to deep green and is arranged in spiral tubercles. The tubercles are cone-shaped, roundish and bear the spines. The spines emerge from creamy-white to pinkish fluffy areoles and are thick, slightly curved downward, 2-4 cm long and golden in color. The spines have dark-colored tips and the contrast with the pinkish areolas highlights the decorative beauty of the plant. The blooming occurs during the spring and the blossoms are borne at the apex of the tubercles. The flowers are funnel-shaped, 5 cm in diameter with an attractive pink or magenta color. The subtle fragrance and the beautiful colors enhance the ornamental value of the plant, perfect for your house.

Cultivation:

This plant is easy to care for, but it requires patience and time to see it grow and achieve rewarding results. The plant benefits from bright exposure, but direct sunlight can cause scorching, so it is recommended to avoid it. It can be placed on a windowsill indoors or grown outdoors in a spot with filtered light. The plant is sensitive to temperatures below 5°C, so it should be moved indoors in colder weather. The soil should consist of a mix of pumice, clay, and loam to ensure proper drainage and prevent root rot, to which the plant is susceptible. Slightly alkaline soil is ideal, mimicking its limestone-rich natural habitat. To facilitate excess water drainage, it is recommended to use a perforated pot. Watering plays a crucial role in the well-being of this species. During the vegetative period, in spring and summer, it is recommended to water the plant every 10 days, ensuring that the soil is completely dry before the next watering. In winter, watering should be suspended to allow the plant to enter dormancy. Regarding fertilization, a moderate application of specific cactus fertilizers during the growing season is sufficient. Fertilization should be discontinued in winter. You should repot the plant every 2-3 years in a pot 2 cm wider. Repotting should be done early in the growing season using fresh potting soil. It is essential to be vigilant for red spiders and mealybugs, as these pests can pose a threat to the plant’s health. Regular checks and prompt intervention are advisable to keep these potential issues under control.

Propagation:

Propagation can be done by offsets or by seed. Cut the offsets emerging from the base of the plant in spring, then let them dry for a few days. Once the cut surface has dried and a formed a callus, place the offsets in a mixture of sand, soil and pumice. To increase the success of propagation you can make two or more offsets at the same time. For cuttings it is recommended to maintain temperatures around 20 °C. Propagating the plant by seed is not very simple and requires a lot of care; it is necessary to sow the seed in a sandy loam soil and keep it at a high level of humidity with a temperature of 24 C°. If you sow seeds collected from your own plants, clean the seeds thoroughly and soak them in water to remove any inhibitors. Plants grown from seeds tend to be more robust.

Curiosity:

Coryphantha stands out from other similar genres for the position of the flowers that grow exactly on the top of the plant. Its name has in fact this meaning: it comes from Greek koryphé (peak) and Anthos (flower). The name “Tanshi Zougemaru” translates loosely to “Pink Elephant Ball,” a nod to its parent species (elephantidens) and its unique rounded shape.

Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com

Italian Blog:
www.giromagicactus.com

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