Aztekium

DESCRIPTION: This group consists of only two, slow-growing cacti native to Mexico. These spherical, grayish-green or green cacti have alternating main and secondary ribs. The main ribs have fuzzy areoles; the secondary ones do not. A. ritteri is a clustering species that produces flattened stems, up to 11/2 inches in diameter, from a thick taproot. The stems have grooves along the ribs. The depressed crown is covered with spines, which fall off as the plant ages. The tiny, white or pale pink, funnel-shaped flowers grow atop the plant intermittently throughout the spring and summer. These plants can be grown in a windowsill or greenhouse.

POTTING: In the wild, these cacti grow only on pure gypsum. They may be difficult to grow and are not recommended for the novice. Keep them underpotted.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be used, but this is a very long process. Offsets may be grafted.

VARIETIES: A. ritteri; A. hintonii.

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