Plants in family cactaceae
Cochemiea albicans
Cochemiea albicans is a cylindrical cactus native to Baja California, Mexico, known for its white to pale pink flowers with pinkish mid-veins. It blooms in summer and is often hidden under closely set spines, forming clumps of branches.
Melocactus conoideus
Melocactus conoideus is a cactus endemic to Brazil, known for its grey-green spherical body and magenta flowers that bloom in the afternoon. It is drought-resistant and thrives in dry savanna habitats. This cactus is slow-growing and requires full sun to light shade, making it a unique addition to any collection.
Parodia ottonis
This drought-tolerant cactus prefers sunny areas and should be planted in porous, well-draining soil. It requires little watering, with drought periods between waterings to avoid water-logging. The plant reproduces in numerous ways, making it versatile in propagation.
Ferocactus pilifer
Ferocactus pilifer, also known as the Mexican Lime Cactus, is a slow-growing cactus native to the Americas. It features unique shapes and yellow to red flowers, thriving in bright light and dry, arid climates.
Echinocereus rigidissimus 'Rubispinus'
The Columnar cactus is a striking plant native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, known for its cylindrical body and waxy coating. It features short, dusty red-purple spines and trumpet-shaped bright pink blooms that attract bees and butterflies. This cactus can grow up to 10 inches tall and 8 inches wide and prefers well-draining, airy, and nutrient-rich soil. It thrives in bright, indirect light indoors and full sun outdoors after acclimation. Watering should be done every 2-3 weeks during the growing season and every 4-6 weeks during the dormant season. It is best suited for USDA zones 8-11 and benefits from a balanced cactus fertilizer once a year in spring.
Lobivia pentlandii
Lobivia pentlandii is a frost-hardy cactus that blooms in spring for about three days. It prefers acidic, well-draining volcanic soil and requires regular watering in summer while staying dry in winter. This cactus can withstand temperatures down to 23°F and thrives in full sun or afternoon shade.
Eriosyce clavata
Eriosyce clavata is a slow-growing cactus with bi-colored flowers featuring magenta, rose to violet tips, and pinkish-white centers. It blooms in late summer and is suited for sunny to lightly shaded areas. This cactus has good heat tolerance and requires sparing watering, especially in winter. It can survive winter nights below freezing if kept dry and needs excellent ventilation.
Melocactus violaceus
Melocactus violaceus, also known as Turk's cap cactus, is a spherical cactus native to Brazil. It grows up to 4 inches in diameter and is suitable for USDA Zones 11-12. This cactus requires moderate water and is propagated by seeds, thriving in full sun to partial shade.
Sulcorebutia canigueralii 'Brevispina'
Originating from Bolivia, this small plant grows about 3 inches tall and 4 inches wide with a beautiful clustering habit. It has cylindrical stems with prominent tubercles and produces stunning flowers in various vibrant colors.
Mammillaria plumosa
Mammillaria plumosa is a cactus native to Northeastern Mexico, recognized for its white downy spines and small white or greenish-yellow flowers. It grows to about 12 cm tall and 40 cm broad and is listed as 'Near Threatened' by the IUCN. This cactus must be grown under glass with heat in temperate regions and has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Gymnocalycium bruchii
Gymnocalycium bruchii is a cactus native to Argentina, forming multi-headed mats of dark green shoots with delicate violet-pink to white flowers. Its low, rounded ribs and tuberous form make it a unique addition to cactus collections.
Copiapoa humilis ssp. tenuissima
Copiapoa humilis ssp. tenuissima is a slow-growing cactus native to Northern Chile. It features yellow flowers and clumps slowly, making it ideal for dry, sunny locations.
Parodia carambeiensis
Parodia carambeiensis is a medium-sized barrel cactus native to Southeastern South America. It features a spherical shape with a crown covered in spiny white wool and produces yellow flowers in spring. This cactus is a unique addition to any collection, offering a distinctive appearance and growth habit.
Mammillaria polythele
Mammillaria polythele is a nursery-produced cactus cultivar native to Mexico, known for its cylindrical stems and rose to pinkish-purple flowers. It prefers lots of sun and dry conditions, making it ideal for drought-tolerant gardens.
Mammillaria schwarzii
Mammillaria schwarzii is a rare cactus endemic to Guanajuato, Mexico, rediscovered in 1987. It features white flowers with red or pink midstripes and is slow-growing, requiring careful watering and gritty soil. High light levels encourage dense spination, making it a unique addition to cactus collections.
Pygmaeocereus bylesianus
Pygmaeocereus bylesianus is a slow-growing cactus with nocturnal white flowers that bloom in summer. It requires lots of sun and good heat tolerance, with regular watering in summer and dry conditions in winter. The plant is somewhat rot-prone if not well-ventilated and can tolerate light frost.
Echinocereus subinermis
Echinocereus subinermis is a golden-flowered cactus native to Mexico, growing up to 30 cm tall and wide. It features bluish-green, purplish stems with pale yellow, sweet-scented flowers that bloom in spring and summer. This cactus requires good drainage and protection in temperate regions.
Lophocereus marginatus
Lophocereus marginatus, commonly known as the Mexican Fence Post Cactus, is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that thrives in sunny areas. It requires porous, well-draining soil and minimal watering, making it ideal for arid environments. This cactus is known for its columnar shape and can grow up to 30 feet tall, adding a striking vertical element to landscapes.
Parodia procera
Parodia procera is a cactus species known for its short hooked spines and closely set areoles, originating from regions in Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and Colombia. Typically solitary, it can form small clumps over time and is relatively easy to grow. This cactus is hardy to 14°F and requires moderate watering, with a preference for dry conditions in winter. Its resilience and adaptability make it a suitable choice for cactus enthusiasts looking for a low-maintenance plant that can withstand cooler temperatures.
Cleistocactus winteri ssp. colademono
Cleistocactus winteri ssp. colademono is a perennial succulent from the Americas, known for its long, supple stems with soft spines that resemble primate appendages. This lithophyte thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and tolerates some full sun, requiring weekly watering in spring and summer. It stores water in its stems for fall and winter, making it drought-tolerant. The plant's unique form and adaptability to various light conditions make it a fascinating addition to cactus collections.
Copiapoa marginata
Copiapoa marginata is a clump-forming cactus native to the Atacama Desert in Chile, known for its yellow flowers and spiky growth habit. It requires full sun and well-draining soil, with light but regular watering in summer and dry conditions in winter. This slow-growing cactus is not highly frost-tolerant but can withstand short periods of cold.
Gymnocalycium monvillei ssp. horridispinum
Gymnocalycium monvillei ssp. horridispinum is a cactus native to Argentina, featuring a globular-shaped stem with metallic grey spines tipped in brown. It grows up to 15-40 cm in height and produces funnel-shaped white flowers with violet-pink edges in early summer.