Aztekium, an extraordinary cactus created by man

Aztekium hintonii

The human being has been crossing species for several centuries. Normally, it is done to get plants that give more and better fruits, but the truth is that it is also done to create real wonders.

One of them is the aztekium, a genus of cactus native to Nuevo León, Mexico. They are considered collector's plants, and as such, there are those who care for them like real jewels. If you think it's time to expand your collection of succulents, learn what our protagonist needs.

Aztekium hintonii

The botanical genus Aztekium comprises only three species: A.hintonii, A.ritteri y A. valdezii. They are small plants, about 5 centimeters in diameter and about 10-15cm tall. The adult specimens have a tendency to produce suckers, which give the plant an even more incredible appearance. They have thorns, but they are very weak, so you will not have to worry about your children or yourself manipulating it. Its flowers are very pretty, 1cm long, appearing at the beginning and end of the summer period.

They have a very slow growth rate, but it must be said that they withstand drought much better than the rest of their congeners. In fact, you only have to water in spring and summer, letting the substrate dry completely, which has to be composed of sand and perlite, between waterings.

Aztekium ritteri

They are very sensitive to frost, so if you live in an area where winters are harsh, they must be protected from the cold in a greenhouse or indoors, placing it away from drafts, in a very bright room.

Aztekium multiply by suckers and also by seeds in warm weather. For both cases we have to use a very porous substrate so that the water can drain well.

Did you know these amazing cacti?