Ariocarpus (Cactus)

The name comes from the Greek word "aria" meaning "rowan tree", and "karpos" meaning "fruit", referring to the fact that these plants have fruit similar to those of rowan trees. In nature they grow in semi-arid areas. They are slow-growing, spines-free, rock-like plants, characterized by rosette-like stems, surrounded by fleshy, grayish-brown tubercles. The flowers are arranged in a corolla, and bloom on the top or in the center of the plant. This is a rare endangered species, and for this exact reason it is highly desired by green collectors. Ariocarpus likes an exposure in full sun, with well ventilated environment. This type of exposure does not stimulate the growth of the plant, which remains very slow, but strengthens and limits the risk of pests to which Ariocarpus are unfortunately very subject. The minimum temperature should remain about 6-8 ° C, in a dry environment. It must only be watered when the soil is completely dry, but with plenty of water: it will avoid that the roots, which are hard to reform especially in plants with a few years of age, dry out and get damaged. The soil that we recommend should be made of clay mixed with gravel. The gravel should not be angular in order not to injure the root. It doesn’t need frequent fertilization, diluting fertilizer with watering once a year will be enough.