Ariocarpus is a very unusual cactus, devoid of thorns. In 1838, Joseph Scheidweller singled out a separate genus of ariocarpus in the Cactus family. Nondescript, at first glance, cacti are oblate in shape and more reminiscent of greenish pebbles. However, when a large and bright flower blossoms at the top, there is no limit to the joy of gardeners. It is flowers that are the main decoration of this plant, therefore, most often on the photo Ariocarpus is depicted during the flowering period.
Cactus description
Ariocarpus lives on the limestones and highlands of North and Central America. Most often it is found in the eastern regions from Texas to Mexico at an altitude of 200 m to 2.4 km.
The root of the ariocarpus is quite large and has the shape of a pear or turnip. The turnip of the ariocarpus is very juicy, the juice enters it through a complex system of vessels and helps the plant survive during a period of severe drought. The root size can be up to 80% of the whole plant.
The stem of the ariocarpus is very low and flattened to the ground. On its entire surface there are small bulges (papillae). Each papilla used to end with a thorn, but today it looks more like a dull, slightly drying end. To the touch they are very hard and reach a length of 3-5 cm. The skin is smooth, shiny, can have a color from light green to bluish-brown.
Interestingly, thick mucus is constantly being produced from the stem. Residents of America have been using it as natural glue for several centuries.
The flowering period falls on September and early October, when the rainy season ends in the homeland of the ariocarpus, and almost all plants bloom in our latitudes. Flowers have elongated, glossy petals, painted in different shades of pink and purple. The whitish or yellow core consists of several stamens and one elongated pestle. The diameter of the flower is 4-5 cm. Flowering lasts only a few days.
After flowering, the fruit ripens. They have a spherical or elliptical shape and can be painted in red, green or white. The diameter of the fetus is 5-20 mm. Under the smooth surface of the berry is juicy pulp. A fully ripened fruit begins to dry and gradually breaks up, exposing small seeds. Seeds can remain viable for a very long time.
Types of Ariocarpus
In total, the genus Ariocarpus contains 8 species and several hybrid varieties, all of which are suitable for growing at home. Let us dwell on the most common.
Ariocarpus agave. The dark green spherical stem below has a woody layer. The thickness of the stem can reach 5 cm, its surface is smooth, without ribs. The papillae are thickened and oblate, up to 4 cm long. They are directed in different directions from the central axis. From above, the plant resembles a star. The flowers are smooth, silky, have a dark pink color. The shape of the flower resembles a strongly opened bell with a lush core. The diameter of the opened bud is almost 5 cm. The fruits are slightly elongated and painted red.
Ariocarpus blunt. It has a spherical, oblate stem with a diameter of up to 10 cm. The upper part is densely covered with a felt cover of white or brown color. Papillae are rounded, pyramidal in shape, light green in color. The surface of the papillae is slightly wrinkled, 2 cm long. The flowers are light pink with wider petals. The diameter of the flower is 4 cm.
Ariocarpus cracked. The view has a very dense structure and a grayish color. During the growing season, the plant is more like a small calcareous stone, but a bright flower gives out signs of life in it. The flowers are wider, purple or pink. The stem is almost completely submerged in the soil and protrudes only 2-4 cm. Diamond-shaped papillae are grouped around the stem and fit snugly together. The outer side of the plant is covered with villi, which increases its attractiveness.
Ariocarpus flaky. A rounded plant with pointed, triangular papillae. This species is called so for the property of the processes to be gradually updated. They are rough to the touch, as if covered with a film. The grayish-green stem with a length of up to 12 cm has a diameter of up to 25 cm. The rudimentary spines are painted in light gray tones. The flowers are large, white or cream flowers. The length of the bud is 3 cm and the diameter is 5 cm. Flowers are formed in the apical sinuses.
Ariocarpus intermediate. The shape of the plant resembles a flattened ball, the top of which is at ground level. Gray-green diamond-shaped papillae diverge to the sides by 10 cm. The flowers are purple, up to 4 cm in diameter. The fruits are round, white and pink.
Ariocarpus Kochubey - a very attractive view with colorful stripes. The stem resembles a star in shape, above which a pink or purple flower rises. Opened petals almost completely hide the green part of the plant.
Breeding methods
Ariocarpus breeds in two ways:
- sowing seeds;
- vaccinated.
Ariocarpus is sown in light soil, for which constant humidity is maintained. When the seedling reaches the age of 3-4 months, it is dived and placed in an airtight container with moist air. The capacity is put in a well-lit place and kept for 1-1.5 years. Then gradually begin to accustom the plant to environmental conditions.
Vaccination of ariocarpus is carried out on a permanent stock. This method gives the best result, since the plant is more resistant to irregular watering and temperature extremes. The process of growing a young plant is very painstaking, so many people prefer to buy ariocarpus at the age of 2 years or older.
Care Rules
For the cultivation of ariocarpuses, a sandy substrate with a minimum humus content is used. Some gardeners plant plants in clean river sand or pebbles. So that the rhizome does not damage the rot, it is advisable to add brick chips and frayed charcoal. Pots are better to choose clay, they help regulate the humidity of the substrate. It is recommended to lay the surface of the soil with pebbles or small stones so that moisture does not accumulate on the surface.
If necessary, an ariocarpus is transplanted. This procedure requires great care so as not to damage the root system. It is better to dry the soil and transplant the plant into a new pot with a whole lump.
Ariocarpus loves ambient light for 12 hours or more daily. On the southern windowsill, it is better to provide a small shadow. In the summer, intense heat does not cause difficulties, and in winter, you need to provide the plant with peace and transfer it to a cool, bright place. It is important to remember that the ariocarpus does not tolerate lowering temperatures to +8 ° C.
Ariocarpus is watered very rarely. Only in case of complete drying of the coma and in extreme heat. In cloudy or rainy weather, watering is not needed. During dormancy, irrigation is also completely abandoned. Even in a room with dry air you can not spray the ground part of the plant, this can lead to illness.
Top dressing is applied 2-3 times a year, during the period of active growth. Optimal is the use of mineral fertilizers for cacti. Ariocarpus resists various diseases and parasites. It quickly recovers after any damage.
