Distinctive features of the plant, how to care for ariocarpus when growing in rooms, the rules for breeding a cactus, difficulties and ways to solve them, facts to note, types. Ariocarpus belongs to the genus succulents, which are members of the Cactaceae family. The plant is considered a succulent because of its ability to accumulate moisture in its parts, which helps to survive dry periods. The native lands in which Ariocarpus is found are in the state of Texas (USA) and Mexico (states of Coaula, Tamaulipas, as well as Nuevo Leon and San Luis Potosi). Such cacti prefer to "settle" on rocky and stony ground, limestone outcrops at an absolute height of 200 meters to 2.4 km.
There are several assumptions about what became the root cause of the scientific name of this cactus, but all this came from the type of fruit of the plant, since the word "Aria" indicated the mountain ash (or rather its subgenus) and "carpus", translated as "fruit". Hence, it turned out that this representative of the flora should be referred to as "mountain ash". According to the second version, the phrase "Sobres Aria" indicates the shape of the plant, which is similar to a pear and is translated as "pear-shaped". For the first time this unusual cactus was described thanks to a botanist from Belgium with German roots - Michael Joseph Scheweiler (1799-1861) and this event took place in 1838.
In Ariocarpus, the stem is small in height and flattened in shape. Sometimes this cactus is compared to pebbles lying on the soil, since the surface of the plant is painted in a grayish-green or gray-brownish color scheme. In diameter, the stem is equal to 12 cm. On the entire surface of the cactus, strongly thickened and hard papillae (tubercles) are formed, which vary in length in the range of 3-5 cm. They cover the stem as if with a tile, possessing a deltoid, prismatic or triangular form. The papillae are quite smooth to the touch and have a shiny surface. At the top of the papillae is a part of the areola, which gives rise to a rudimentary (underdeveloped) spine. That is, there are no thorns in this cactus today, although there is information that they were there a long time ago.
But often there is a whitish pubescence on the stem, which beautifully sets off its rich color. Ariocarpus possesses a branched system of channels designed to carry juices and a turnip root (which is often compared to a pear), massive outlines, in which juices accumulate, helping to survive during a drought. Interestingly, the size of the root is often almost 80% of the total cactus.
If we take into account the variety of Ariocarpus retusus, the areola is divided into two halves: flowering and prickly. In this case, the latter continues to develop at the apex of the papillary tubercle. For this feature, the areola is called monomorphic.
In the process of flowering, buds are formed, which open into flowers with a diameter ranging from 3-5 cm. The shape of the flower corolla is bell-shaped with glossy petals painted in snow-white, yellow or red colors. The buds originate near the growing point, practically at the top. Inside the flower there is an elongated pistil and several stamens, its core is painted in a whitish or yellowish tint. It is because of the flowering that the ariocarpus is interesting for the florist, since without it the plant does not have a very decorative look. This cactus begins to bloom from September or early October and this process takes only a few days. This is due to the fact that these dates coincide with the time when the rainy period ends on the native lands of the plant. And since in our latitudes almost all representatives of the flora are already finishing blooming, Ariocarpus pleases with beauty.
After pollination of flowers, fruits of white, greenish or reddish color are formed. Inside, the fruits are rather fleshy, their shape is rounded or oblong. The length of the berry can be 5–25 mm. When the fruit is fully ripe, it immediately begins to dry out, breaking apart over time, opening access to very small seeds. If there is a desire to propagate a cactus with seeds, then they do not lose their germination for a long time.
Rules for caring for ariocarpus in indoor cultivation
- Lighting and selection of a place for a pot. Since in nature the plant prefers to "settle" in an open area, then when cultivated indoors, the pot with Ariocarpus is placed on the windowsill of the east and west windows, where there will be enough bright but diffused light. If the cactus will stand on the window of the southern location, then on a summer afternoon it is necessary to provide it with a little shading. It is important to adhere to the rule that up to 12 or more hours of sunlight is needed for normal vegetation and flowering. On the northern windowsill or in winter, supplementary lighting with phytolamps should be carried out.
- Growing temperature. For ariocarpus in the spring-summer period, room heat indicators, about 20-25 degrees or higher, are suitable. But with the arrival of autumn days, it is necessary to gradually reduce them to a range of 12-15 units, which is maintained until spring. In a cactus, this time falls on the rest period. However, the thermometer should not fall below 8 degrees, since the plant will die immediately.
- Air humidity. In no case should you spray a cactus, even if there is a strong heat, as this can provoke its decay.
- Watering Ariocarpus. To create the conditions in which the Ariocarpus grows, it is recommended that the soil in the pot is practically not moistened. Watering is performed only when the substrate in the container dries out completely. If the plant has begun a dormant period, then it does not need watering. Also, when it is rainy and cloudy during the activation of growth, then you should not water Ariocarpus. When humidifying, use only soft water at room temperature. It is necessary to water in such a way that even drops of moisture do not fall on the trunk, otherwise it threatens to rot. It is better when a trickle of liquid is put on the wall of the pot or "bottom watering" is used, when water is poured into a stand under the pot, and after 10-15 minutes the remaining liquid is drained.
- Fertilizers for ariocarpus. Despite the fact that in nature the plant grows on poor soils, it is still recommended to carry out top dressing. As soon as the growth activation begins, it is possible to add mineral preparations intended for succulents and cacti, and then repeat the procedure two more times.
- Transplantation and selection of a substrate. If the cactus began to take up too much space in the container, then the pot is changed. But it is recommended to adhere to accuracy, since ariocarpus has a rather sensitive rhizome. The transplant is carried out by the transshipment method, when the earthen lump does not collapse. To do this, the soil in the pot is dried, the cactus is removed from the old flowerpot and installed in a new one, at the bottom of which a drainage layer of pebbles or small expanded clay (any pebbles) is laid. It is recommended to cover the surface of the soil with the same layer so that moisture does not accumulate on it. It is recommended to select pots for Ariocarpus made of clay, as the soil dries out faster in them, which helps to regulate the state of moisture of the substrate.
These cacti are most comfortable to grow in soil that contains a small amount of fertile humus. Often, landing is carried out in clean coarse-grained river sand or pebbles. This will ensure that the substrate will not be waterlogged and the root system of the cactus will not rot. Also, for prophylaxis, it is recommended to add brick chips sifted from dust and pounded into powder, activated or charcoal into the soil mixture.
Breeding rules for ariocarpus
To get a new cactus, so similar to a stone, it is grafted or sown seeds. However, both of these methods are rather complicated, therefore, flower growers prefer to acquire a cactus at the age of two.
If a decision is made to sow seeds, then they are placed in a peat-sand mixture poured from a pot. It is recommended to moisten the substrate before planting. Then the container with crops must be covered with plastic wrap or a piece of glass is placed on top. Daily ventilation will be needed or small holes are made in the film in advance. If the soil begins to dry out, then it is sprayed from a spray bottle with soft and warm water so that the moisture is constant.
When the seedling is 3-4 months old, then it is transplanted into a separate container with a selected substrate and again put under cover (you can take a glass jar). Then the pot with a young cactus is transferred to a warm place (with a temperature of about 20 degrees), the lighting in which will be bright, but diffused. This should take 1–1, 5 years, and only after that it is recommended to remove the shelter, accustoming Ariocarpus to the conditions of the rooms.
If ariocarpus is inoculated, then it is performed on a permanent stock. Only in this case will there be a guarantee of a further positive result, since the resulting plant will steadily tolerate irregularities in moisture and drops in heat indicators. The stock is usually another cactus, most often it can be Eriocereus Yusbert or Myrtillocactus. The part for grafting must be cut off with a sharpened, disinfected and dry knife, or you can use a blade. Such a cultivation of a young Ariocarpus is a matter of meticulousness and then will require more cultivation in greenhouses for more than a year and a half.
Difficulties arising when growing ariocarpus and ways to solve them
The plant shows resistance to various harmful insects, but it is also exposed to diseases only if the owner constantly violates the rules of care. Still, soil flooding becomes a problem when growing ariocarpus, then the root system begins to rot rather quickly. If such a nuisance is identified (the color of the stem changes to yellow or it becomes soft to the touch), then the stem is recommended to be cut off, the cactus is treated with a fungicide and transplanted into a previously sterilized substrate and a pot. However, if the root processes began to rot, then it is practically impossible to save such a specimen.
Facts to note about ariocarpus, photo of a houseplant
It is curious that the fruits of the Ariocarpus agavoides variety are usually eaten by the locals, since they have a rather sweet taste.
Scientists have discovered five different alkaloids in the tissues of this cactus. Since the stalk of the ariocarpus constantly releases thick mucus, which is distinguished by a special stickiness, it has long been customary for the inhabitants of America to use it as glue.
The cactus is loved by flower growers for the fact that it can easily recover from any unintentional damage inflicted on it.
Ariocarpus species
Ariocarpus agavoides is often mentioned in botanical literature under the name Neogomesia agavoides Castaneda. The plant was first discovered by Marcello Castaneda, who worked as an engineer in one of the states of Mexico - Tamaulipas. This happened in 1941, in an area near the town of Tula. The color of the stem is dark green, its shape is spherical, usually lignification occurs in the lower part. The stem can leave 5 cm in thickness. The surface is smooth to the touch, devoid of ribs. The papillae are thick, with a flattened shape, not exceeding 4 cm in length. The tops of these papillae "look" in different directions from the central axis. If you look at the cactus from above, then its outlines resemble a star.
When blooming, buds open with glossy petals and a silky surface painted in a dark pink color. The shape of the flower crown resembles a strongly open bell, which has a lush core. At maximum opening, the flower reaches 5 cm in diameter. The fruits are slightly elongated and their surface is colored red.
Blunted ariocarpus (Ariocarpus retusus). The stem of this cactus has a spherical shape with a slight flattening. Its surface takes on an olive blue or grayish green hue. The stem reaches 10–12 cm in diameter. At the top of the stem there is a dense tomentose pubescence of snow-white or brownish color. The papillae on the surface of the cactus are formed with a height of about 2 cm. They have a trihedral shape (like a pyramid), slightly rise above the stem, at the base they are quite wide, and at the top there is a sharpening. Their surface is often wrinkled.
The flowers open up to 4 cm in diameter, the color of their petals can vary from whitish to light pinkish. The petals are quite wide. After flowering, berries ripen, which differ in various shades: white, greenish, or occasionally they can turn pink. Their indicators are 1–2.5 cm in length with a diameter of approximately 0.3–1 cm.
This species is mainly found in Mexico, covering the states of Coahuila, San Luis Potosi, as well as Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas.
Cracked ariocarpus (Ariocarpus fissuratus). Since the structure of the stem is distinguished by its increased density, the cactus resembles a stone in its outlines. This is facilitated by the color of the stem - it is grayish. If flowering has not yet begun, the plant can be mistaken for a limestone release. The stem protrudes from the ground only by 2–4 cm. On its surface, rhomboid papillae are formed, which are distinguished by dense grouping around the stem and high density relative to each other. The entire side that is presented to the view is covered with hairs, which add decorativeness to the plant. The color of the petals in the flowers can be purple or pink. The corolla is rather wide. It is during flowering that it makes it clear that this is a representative of the flora.
Scaly ariocarpus (Ariocarpus furfuraceus). The stem of this variety has a rounded shape. On its surface, papillae of a triangular shape are formed with a sharpness at the apex. The cactus got its specific name due to the property of constant renewal and rough papillae. This gives the impression that the plant is covered with a film. The color of the stem is grayish-green, in length it does not exceed 13 cm, with a diameter of 25 cm. Strongly reduced (rudimentary) spines have a light gray tone.
During flowering, bell-shaped flowers are formed. At the same time, the length of the corolla is about 3 cm, with full disclosure, the diameter reaches 5 cm. The buds take their origin in the apical sinuses. The color of the petals in the flowers is white or cream.
Lloyd's ariocarpus (Ariocarpus lloydii) has a flat, rounded stem, very stone-like, until pink and purple flowers emerge.
Keel-shaped ariocarpus (Ariocarpus scapharostrus). The shoot of this cactus is also flattened, its color is rich green. The papillae are sparsely located and have keeled outlines. In the sinuses, there is a whitish fleecy pubescence. When blooming, buds bloom, the petals in which have a pink color with a purple tint.
