Care of the cacti Coryphantha andreae or Mammillaria pycnacantha |
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The genus Coryphantha, family Cactaceae, includes 40 species of cactus native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Some species are: Coryphantha andreae, Coryphantha octacantha, Coryphantha sulcata, Coryphantha werdermannii, Coryphantha durangensis, Coryphantha recurvata, Coryphantha compacta, Coryphantha elephantides, Coryphantha cornifera, Coryphantha macromeris, Coryphantha ottonis, Coryphantha pallida, Coryphantha maiz-tablasensis. Scientific synonyms: Coryphantha pycnacantha, Coryphantha acanthostephes, Mammillaria pycnacantha. This species is native to Veracruz, Mexico. They are small cacti with a spherical body that reach 9 cm (3.54") in diameter; their apex is sunken and covered with wool. The large tubers have a woolly furrow and are arranged in a spiral. They have up to 10 radial spines and 5-7 curved central spines. They produce large yellow flowers 6 cm (2.36") in diameter. They are used in rockeries and in pots and planters for balconies, terraces and very bright interiors. The Coryphantha andreae prefers a light shade exposure avoiding direct sun at noon. They resist temperatures up to 0 ºC (32 ºF). The soil can be a mixture, in equal proportions, of coarse siliceous sand and very decomposed leaf mulch; a commercial cactus substrate can also be used. Water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. In winter there is no need to water. Fertilize with mineral cactus fertilizer in early spring. Pruning is not necessary. They are very sensitive to excess moisture that can rot the plant tissues. They propagate by seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the cacti Coryphantha andreae or Mammillaria pycnacantha |
 Coryphantha andreae |