Plants in family cactaceae
Gymnocalycium mesopotamicum
Gymnocalycium mesopotamicum is a small cactus endemic to Argentina, known for its pure white flowers that can reach up to 2.5 inches in diameter. This summer grower prefers filtered sunlight or afternoon shade and requires moderate watering during the growing season. It is hardy to temperatures as low as 10°F and needs space for its roots to develop. The plant's solitary nature in the wild contrasts with its branching habit in cultivation.
Ferocactus alamosanus
Ferocactus alamosanus is a summer-growing cactus with greenish-yellow flowers, requiring well-drained soil and bright exposure. It can tolerate moderate shade and needs light frost protection. This cactus is known for its spiky growth habit and slow growth rate, making it a distinctive addition to any cactus collection.
Echinopsis jajoiana
Echinopsis jajoiana is a summer-growing cactus species known for its wide range of flower colors. It requires regular watering from March to October and should be kept dry and cool in winter. This plant thrives in full sun and bronzes in strong light, which encourages flowering and spine production. It is frost-resistant if kept dry.
Mammillaria huitzilopochtli
This spherical dark green globe cactus from Oaxaca, Mexico, has dense spines that curve inwards and rings of bright pink/magenta flowers. It is frost tender below 32°F (0°C) and requires light shade, moderate water, and well-drained soil, thriving in USDA zones 10b-11.
Discocactus zehntneri ssp. boomianus
Discocactus zehntneri ssp. boomianus is a challenging cactus to grow, known for its exotic appearance when mature. It requires full sun or afternoon shade and is frost tender, making it suitable for warm climates. This slow-growing plant is rot-prone and resents being repotted, demanding careful attention from experienced growers.
Echinocereus roetteri
Echinocereus roetteri is a naturally occurring hybrid cactus native to the mountains of West Texas, New Mexico, and Northern Mexico. It grows 6-8 inches tall and features large, bright pastel flowers in shades of rosy pink to fluorescent orange-red, blooming in May. This plant requires excellent drainage and is sensitive to overwatering, making it ideal for rock gardens or xeriscaping.
Mammillaria albicoma
Mammillaria albicoma is a fuzzy, soft, dense white hairy cactus endemic to Mexico, specifically the hot deserts of Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon. It is threatened by habitat loss but is known for its frost tolerance, hardy to 28°F. This cactus has a clumping growth habit and blooms with white to greenish-yellow flowers, making it a distinctive addition to any cactus collection.
Stenocactus phyllacanthus
Stenocactus phyllacanthus is a cactus native to Mexico, known for its spines that resemble dried grass leaves. It typically grows as a solitary plant but can produce small clumps. This cactus features small yellow blooms with cream, yellow, or white flowers that have reddish or brownish throats. It is hardy to 25°F and thrives in full sun, making it a resilient choice for cactus collections.
Opuntia 'Maverick Variegata'
Opuntia 'Maverick Variegata' is a dwarf variant of Opuntia monacantha, notable for its variegated colors ranging from white to pink. This shrubby or tree-like cactus forms unique, tortured shapes and typically grows less than 20 inches tall. It requires moderate to ample water in summer and should be kept dry in winter, thriving in filtered sunlight or afternoon shade.
Echinocereus adustus ssp. schwarzii
Echinocereus adustus ssp. schwarzii, commonly known as 'Cereus adustus', is a cactus from Mexico that grows 4 to 5 inches tall. It blooms with pink flowers and requires well-drained soil and full sunlight.
Opuntia cochenillifera 'Variegata'
Opuntia cochenillifera 'Variegata', also known as the Paddle Cactus or Joseph's Coat, is a naturally occurring variegated cactus with marbled white, creamy-white, yellow, green, and sometimes pink patterns. It forms shrubby or tree-like shapes with long, smooth, flattened stems and tiny hair spines. This cactus is native to Mexico and grows up to 50 cm in height, producing small red flowers in late spring and early summer.
Parodia haselbergii 'Scarlet Ball Cactus'
Parodia haselbergii, also known as 'Scarlet Ball Cactus', is a drought-tolerant cactus with a round shape and tight spines. It blooms in spring with white or pink flowers and requires full sun and well-draining soil.
Mammillaria spinosissima ssp. pilcayensis
Mammillaria spinosissima ssp. pilcayensis is a compact cactus native to Mexico, with finer and whiter/yellower spines compared to its relatives. It produces rings of intense red flowers in summer and has solitary, columnar stems up to 20 inches long. The plant prefers bright light with some direct sun and is frost-tender, requiring temperatures above 40°F.
Copiapoa dealbata
Copiapoa dealbata is a cactus that forms large mounds with shallow ribs and dense needle-like spines. It blooms in summer with pale to bright yellow flowers and can take several years to flower for the first time.
Gymnocalycium paraguayense
Gymnocalycium paraguayense is a summer-growing cactus species known for its rapid growth and clumping habit. It prefers a porous cactus mix and requires moderate to copious waterings in summer. This plant is somewhat frost-resistant and thrives in bright but filtered sunlight.
Weingartia mentosa
Weingartia mentosa is a cactus species known for its large, solitary or clustering heads and showy funnel-shaped flowers in deep purple or magenta. It blooms in spring and is characterized by tubercles with chinned bases, making it a unique addition to cactus collections.
Lobivia arachnacantha 'Torrecillasense'
Lobivia arachnacantha 'Torrecillasense' is a cactus native to Southern South America, characterized by its spider web-like clusters of stems. This slow-growing plant can reach up to 6 inches in height and produces vibrant yellow to yellow-orange flowers from spring to summer. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires bright, direct sunlight to flourish. With a hardiness zone of 11, it can tolerate mild frost down to 24°F. Propagation is typically done through woody stem cuttings, making it a fascinating addition to any cactus collection.