Ariocarpus (Ariocarpus) in the natural environment can not be found by all connoisseurs of flora. The main distinguishing feature of this cactus in comparison with its thorny "comrades-in-arms" is the absence of needles.
The genus Ariocarpus began to be distinguished into a separate group since 1838 thanks to the famous German professor Joseph Scheidweller, who studied cacti. The plant resembles flattened green stones in shape. Adult specimens bloom with a large bright flower at the top, which compensates for the unsightly appearance of the shoots and gives originality to the culture. In botanical literature, photos of the ariocarpus are often displayed precisely in the flowering stage.
Description of ariocarpus
The main habitat of the wild Ariocarpus is concentrated in the countries of North and Central America. Here the plant climbs up a hill and prefers limestone soil types.
The pear-shaped roots grow strongly and go deep underground to survive prolonged drought. Nutritious juices flow through the vascular system of a succulent turnip and help the plant survive in adverse conditions. The root often reaches up to 80% of the total mass of the cactus.
Low-growing shoots are tightly pressed to the ground and have small growths on the skin in the form of papillae, the ends of which are devoid of thorns, unlike other representatives of the Cactus. The length of the hard stems is 3 to 5 cm. The surface is shiny and free of rough streaks. The stems end with a dull, drying base. Many varieties are dominated by a pale green or brownish color of the ground part.
The stems are capable of producing a thick, sticky substance. Local residents have long learned to use this mucus as a natural glue for household needs.
The flowering phase occurs at the beginning of autumn. In our climatic zones, this time coincides with the end of the rainy season in the homeland of the Ariocarpus. Shiny, oblong flowers are colored pink. In the center of the flower is a group of tiny stamens and one long pistil. The size of the opened bud is about 4-5 cm. They stay on the stems for a couple of days.
Flowering ends with the ripening of spherical red or green fruits. Some species bear white berries. Their diameter does not exceed 2 cm. Smooth skin hides juicy pulp with small grains. As it dries, the peel cracks and seeds spill out. Seed germination is maintained for a long time.
Home care for ariocarpus
Location and lighting
Ariocarpus needs a bright light to grow, which must fall on the stems for 12 hours every day. The heat in summer is not dangerous for the plant. However, when placing flower pots on the south side of the building, it is better to arrange a small shadow near them.In winter, the pots are transferred to a cool place, where the cactus will be dormant until spring. Low temperatures are destructive and lead to irreversible consequences.
Watering
Watering is rarely carried out. The soil is moistened only when the earthen lump is completely dried up, or during a prolonged drought. In cloudy weather and during the winter months, cacti do well without water. Spraying can provoke diseases of the ground part.
The soil
To plant ariocarpus, a sand mixture is used. The presence of humus in the soil is highly undesirable for the plant. It is allowed to use sifted river sand as a substrate. Brick chips or grated coal should be poured at the bottom of the pot, otherwise rot will harm the rhizome. In clay pots, it is more convenient to observe changes in the moisture content of the substrate. To avoid the accumulation of moisture, the top layer of the soil is covered with pebbles.
Top dressing and fertilizers
The plant is fed several times a year. Cacti especially need nutritional support during flowering and growing greenery. Ariocarpus prefer mineral supplements. Pests and parasites almost do not bother, and the most common diseases are bypassed, if you follow the watering regime and properly care for the crop. Damaged stems tend to recover quickly.
Transfer
If the rhizome of ariocarpus has grown noticeably, and the volume of the pot already seems insufficient for full development, it's time to transplant the cactus. The soil is pre-dried in order to easily transfer the plant along with the lump to a new pot.
Breeding methods of ariocarpus
Ariocarpus is characterized by seed and graft propagation.
Ripe grains are sown in light, moist soil. Upon reaching four months, the seedlings are picked into another container. The containers are placed in a room with natural light and high humidity. Here the cactus will spend its first year until it fully acclimatizes. Over time, a young seedling is accustomed to a permanent habitat.
Vaccinations are done on a permanent stock. This method of reproduction is considered more successful than breeding by seeds, since cacti are resistant to temperature extremes and calmly accept irregular watering.
Growing an Ariocarpus will take a lot of time and effort. For this reason, it may be best to purchase an adult cactus.
Types and varieties of ariocarpus with a photo
The genus Ariocarpus contains 8 main names and several hybrids. Most species can be easily grown at home. Consider the most famous species samples.
Ariocarpus agave (Ariocarpus agavoides)
The ground green stem in the lower part is covered with a ligneous layer. The main surface is not ribbed. The length of the flattened, slightly thickened papillae, directed in different directions, reaches up to 4 cm. If you look at the plant from above, it is easy to see the star. Bell flowers of rich pink tone with delicate, smooth petals. At the peak of flowering, they open their heads and show a lush core. When opened, the diameter of one bud is about 5 cm. Elongated ripe red berries.
Blunted ariocarpus (Ariocarpus retusus)
Stems up to 10 cm long look flattened and rounded at the ends. The top of the cactus is covered with a layer of white or brown felt. Pale green papillae, shriveled. The width of these outgrowths does not exceed 2 cm. Pinkish buds are formed from wide petals. The size of the flowers is about 4 cm.
Cracked ariocarpus (Ariocarpus fissuratus)
A gray cactus with a dense structure. Adult specimens during the growing season resemble lime stones. Only the pink flower in the center is proof that it is a living plant and not a fake. The stems go deep into the ground. A small part of the stem sticks out above the surface. The papillae, like small diamonds, sit closely next to each other and cling to the stem.Outside, the stems are dotted with villi, which makes the cactus even more attractive.
Ariocarpus scaly (Ariocarpus furfuraceus)
The shape of this cactus is round, the papillae look triangular. Rough, filmy processes are gradually exfoliated and renewed. In their place, new papillae appear. The length of the gray shoots does not exceed 12 cm, and in the cut - 25 cm. Rare buds up to 5 cm in diameter are painted in white or milky tone. The arrangement of flowers is apical. They form in the sinuses.
Ariocarpus intermediate (Ariocarpus intermedius)
The stalks of the cactus are practically spread out on the ground and look like a flattened ball that barely rises above the surface. Gray papillae stick around the shoots on both sides. The diameter of the purple flowers is about 2-4 cm. The berries are white with a pink tint.
Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus
Variegated species with stellate stems. A large purple flower opens in the center of the cactus and covers most of the greenery with petals.
