Care of the cacti Ariocarpus retusus or Living Rock |
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The genus Ariocarpus, family Cactaceae, comprises 6 species of cactus native to Mexico and Texas. Some species are: Ariocarpus retusus, Ariocarpus furfuraceus, Ariocarpus agavoides. Common names: Seven Stars, False Peyote, Living Rock. This species is native Northeast Mexico. They are curious solitary cacti that can produce suckers (after many years) and that reach 25 cm (9.84") in diameter by 12 cm (4.7") in height. The large triangular tubers have woolly areoles at their ends with tiny spines. The flowers are white or pink and reach 5 cm (1.96") in diameter. They bloom in early autumn. They are used in pots deeper than wide for greenhouses, balconies, patios or as houseplants in well-lit locations. Ariocarpus retusus needs full sun or well lit exposure and a dry and warm climate. The winter safety temperature is 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of vermiculite, coarse siliceous sand and heather earth. The substrate surface should be covered with pebbles. Its resistance to drought is very high; water every 15 days in summer, every 25-30 in spring, every 40 in autumn and do not water in winter. They do not need pruning or fertilization. They are very sensitive plants to excess humidity. They propagate from seeds sown in spring but it is a very slow process. |
Images of the cacti Ariocarpus retusus or Living Rock |
 Ariocarpus retusus  Ariocarpus retusus  Ariocarpus retusus |