Plants in family cactaceae
Mammillaria longiflora ssp. longiflora
Mammillaria longiflora ssp. longiflora is a cactus known for its purple flowers and fleshy stems. It requires very well-draining soil and is sensitive to overwatering, making it somewhat challenging to grow into clumps. This cactus is dormant in winter, needing minimal water, and is somewhat frost-tolerant. It thrives in full sun but requires afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent sunburn. The plant is native to Chihuahua and prefers high light levels for optimal flowering and spine development.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mammillaria aureilanata
Mammillaria aureilanata is a cactus species native to the hot deserts of Mexico. It is well-adapted to arid environments, making it a resilient choice for desert-themed gardens. This cactus is part of the Cactaceae family and is known for its unique appearance.
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.
Echinocereus davisii
Echinocereus davisii, also known as the Nylon Hedgehog Cactus, is one of the smallest cacti in the world, native to West Texas. It features a depressed globular shape and blooms with yellow-green or straw-yellow flowers in early spring. This cactus is highly cold-resistant, tolerating temperatures as low as 14°F for short periods. It prefers bright sun or filtered sunlight and requires minimal watering, especially during winter dormancy.
Lobivia arachnacantha
Lobivia arachnacantha, native to Bolivia, is a cactus with clusters of flattened to spherical stems and bright yellow flowers. It is resistant to cold and thrives in full sun to light shade, making it a unique addition to any cactus collection.
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.