Acharagma

Family. Cactaceae.

Homeland of the cactus. Mexico.

Description. The genus Acharagma contains only two species of flowering cacti. These plants have spherical light green stems less than 8 cm in diameter and up to 15 cm in height; sometimes with age the stems stretch out and take on a cylindrical shape. The ribs have tubercles.

 There are 4 - 6 central spines, 15 to 30 radial spines; whitish-yellow or rich golden color. The root system is thick and taprooted. Flowers appear at the top of the stem, white, pink, red, yellow with a darker central stripe on the petals, about 2 cm in diameter. The spines are thick, up to 2.5 cm long, and can almost completely hide the stem. The fruits are smooth, small, green or purple in color. In nature, they mostly grow solitarily, but sometimes form small colonies.

Height. 15 cm.

Acharagma - care at home

Temperature conditions

Can tolerate frosts down to -7°C. 

Lighting

Bright with light shading on hot summer days.

Care

These indoor cacti grow very slowly.

Substrate

Well permeable to moisture, containing perlite and coarse sand. 

Feeding

Once a month during the period of active growth, apply fertilizer in half concentration.

Flowering time

Summer.

Air humidity

There are no special requirements, it easily tolerates dry air from heated rooms.

Soil moisture

Keep almost completely dry in winter.

Transplant

As needed to change the substrate or as it grows, usually once every 2-3 years in the spring.

Reproduction

Easily propagated by seeds or cuttings. 

Pests and diseases

Very susceptible to rot, so use a well-drained substrate and almost completely stop watering in winter.

Harmful insects can include mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects.