Care of the cactus Escobaria sneedii or Sneed's Pincushion Cactus |
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The genus Escobaria, family Cactaceae, comprises 23 species of cacti distributed from northern Mexico to southern Canada. Some species are: Escobaria sneedii, Escobaria chihuahuensis, Escobaria vivipara, Escobaria missouriensis, Escobaria tuberculosa. Common names: Sneed's Carpet Escobaria, Sneed's Cory Cactus, Sneed's Pincushion Cactus, Silver-lace Cactus, Guadalupe Pincushion Cactus, Carpet Foxtail Cactus. Scientific synonyms: Escobaria sneedii, Coryphantha sneedii, Mammillaria sneedii. This species is native to Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico. They are very small cespitose cacti that reach 4 cm (1.57") in height. They have cylindrical tubercles and circular areoles that have up to 40 white radial spines (they have no central spines). The flowers are pink and measure 2 cm (0.78") in diameter. Very young specimens can bloom. Due to their small size they are used in pots for balconies, patios, windows, terraces and greenhouses. Escobaria sneedii needs full sun or semi-shade exposure and a hot, dry climate. In winter the temperature should not be less than 4 ºC (39.2 ºF). The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti with 20% siliceous sand. Water every 12-15 days in spring, every 7 days in summer and every 20 days in autumn. In winter do not water. They do not need pruning or fertilizers. They are resistant to pests but sensitive to excess watering. They propagate easily by separating suckers or from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the cactus Escobaria sneedii or Sneed's Pincushion Cactus |
 Escobaria sneedii  Escobaria sneedii |