Pelecyphora asselliformis
If you like or attract your attention cacti, you will surely be surprised by the Pelecyphora. In fact, it is not at all common; it is even very difficult to find it for sale in specialized stores. However, those who are lucky enough to have a specimen enjoy it and take care of it as if it were a treasure.
It is, then, THE - yes, in capital letters - collector's cactus par excellence, or one of the few. Would you like to know what it is like and what care it needs?
Origin and characteristics of Pelecyphora
Pelecyphora are cactus native to Mexico. The genus is composed of only two species: the P. aseliformis, known as peyotillo or peyote meco, and the P. stroboliformis, which is called pinecone cactus. They are characterized by having a tubercular root which develops underground. The body is shaped like a triangle or oval covered by thorns, being more numerous in P. aselliformis. Their height does not exceed 15cm, so they can be kept in a pot throughout their life.
The flowers are very pretty: they sprout at the top of the cactus and are dark pink in color. The fruit is a small berry without thorns, inside which are numerous tiny seeds.
How do you take care of yourself?
Pelecyphora stroboliformis
If you can get hold of a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
- Location: it must be outside, in full sun.
- Irrigation: very scarce. Once a week in summer, and every 15-20 days the rest of the year.
- Substratum: it must have very good drainage, since it does not tolerate waterlogging. You can just use pumice or washed river sand.
- Subscriber: from spring to late summer, with a fertilizer for cacti following the indications specified on the product packaging.
- Transplant: you have to change the pot every 2-3 years.
- Rusticity: it supports weak and occasional frosts of up to -1ºC, so that if you live in a colder area, the ideal thing will be that you have it inside the house in a very bright room.
Have you ever seen a cactus like this?