How to grow Ariocarpus retusus? A detailed guide to the latest cultivation methods

Ariocarpus retusus is a very beautiful small indoor potted flower, a plant of the genus Ariocarpus in the cactus family, mainly distributed in Texas in the United States and Mexico, with a peculiar appearance, enjoying the reputation of the “giant panda among plants”, also known as the living rock, flowering abundantly and delicately, with extremely high ornamental value. Let us take a look together below at the cultivation methods for Ariocarpus retusus!

Morphological characteristics of Ariocarpus retusus

The spherical plant of Ariocarpus retusus grows singly or in clusters, in a cushion-like form, with a single globe 10 cm to 15 cm in diameter, flat at the top, covered with dense white or yellowish-white fuzz. The epidermis has thick and hard triangular tubercles, the surface of the tubercles is grayish-green to brownish-green, cracked into irregular grooves, with a longitudinal groove in the very middle extending all the way to the axil of the tubercle, and bearing short woolly hairs. The flowers are terminal, bell-shaped, pink, 3.5 cm to 4 cm long, very gorgeous and eye-catching, and often several bloom at the same time.

Propagation methods of Ariocarpus retusus

Propagation of Ariocarpus retusus is very difficult; sowing or removing offsets for grafting can be used. Because the fruit maturation period of the plant is very long, and germination is very difficult, the germination rate is very low and seedlings grow very slowly, making it the variety in the genus Ariocarpus whose growth rate is only faster than that of Ariocarpus agavoides. For grafting, cactus such as Myrtillocactus geometrizans can be used as rootstock to speed up growth and bring flowering earlier, but grafted plants have a very short lifespan, are prone to aging, and are not easy to cultivate; moreover, plants of the genus Ariocarpus are very difficult to degraft, do not easily root, and have a very high mortality rate.

Cultivation methods of Ariocarpus retusus

1. Pot selection: Ariocarpus retusus has a thick taproot, so it is suitable to grow it in a relatively deep pot.

2. Soil: The potting soil for Ariocarpus retusus should have good drainage and air permeability, and be a sandy soil containing an appropriate amount of calcareous material.

3. Humidity: Ariocarpus retusus likes an environment with air circulation, and the cultivation site needs a certain amount of air humidity.

4. Watering: During the growing season, Ariocarpus retusus should be watered thoroughly, but continuous water accumulation in the pot should be avoided.

5. Fertilizing: Apply a “low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus-potassium” compound liquid fertilizer to Ariocarpus retusus about once every 15 days, so that the plant will produce more flowers.

6. Shading: In summer, Ariocarpus retusus needs appropriate shading; if the light is too strong, it will not only easily scorch the globe but also grow slowly.

7. Overwintering: In winter, place Ariocarpus retusus in a bright indoor spot, keep the potting soil dry, and it can tolerate a low temperature of 5°C.

8. Repotting: During cultivation, Ariocarpus retusus should be repotted once every year to promote lush plant growth.