Plants in genus cochemiea
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.
Cochemiea theresae
Cochemiea theresae, endemic to Durango, Mexico, is a small geophyte known for its long-tubed, bright magenta flowers. This cactus blooms when less than an inch tall and produces cryptocarpic fruit, with seeds that have long vitality. It requires dry winter conditions and good drainage.
Cochemiea mazatlanensis
Cochemiea mazatlanensis is a hardy, drought-tolerant cactus that thrives in ample light and well-draining soil. It requires minimal watering and benefits from periods of drought between waterings. This plant is ideal for xeriscaping and can be propagated in numerous ways, making it a versatile addition to any cactus collection.
Cochemiea guelzowiana
Cochemiea guelzowiana is a small cactus known for its bright magenta flowers, large for a Mammillaria. It requires regular watering but is sensitive to overwatering and needs high light levels for flowering. This cactus is native to Mexico and can be challenging to grow into clumps.
Cochemiea fraileana
Cochemiea fraileana is a unique cactus native to the southern Baja California Peninsula, thriving in dry, rocky environments. It features cylindrical green stems that turn reddish in full sunlight, adorned with pyramidal tubercles and fibrous roots. The plant is notable for its light pink flowers with darker pink lines, blooming from May to September, and producing red fruit with small black seeds. It has a distinctive areole structure with white radial spines and dark brown central spines. This cactus is sensitive to overwatering and requires well-draining soil and maximum sunlight exposure. It is a pioneer species in rock colonization, contributing to soil formation through processes like nitrogen fixation. While frost can damage it, no major threats are currently known to this species.
Cochemiea saboae ssp. haudeana
Cochemiea saboae ssp. haudeana is a mat-forming cactus with small, soft-bodied stems and large, dark lilac-pink to pinkish magenta flowers. It has a thick tuberous root system and requires good drainage and a mineral-based potting mix. This cactus is susceptible to over-watering and rot and should be kept dry in winter.