Ariocarpus retusus
Ariocarpus retusus, also known by such common names as Star Rock, Living Rock Cactus and sometimes False Peyote is a rare and unusual miniature cactus native exclusively to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico.
You will receive one seed-grown Ariocarpus retusus roughly 20-30mm in diameter. Please see the first photo which includes an Australian $2 coin for size reference. The second photo shows the healthy taproot of these plants.
The third photo shows the mature form and is not for sale.
-
Ariocarpus retusus has a relatively wide distribution but exclusively within the Mexican Chihuahuan desert at altitudes of 1300-2000m above sea level. A subspecies called Ariocarpus retusus ssp. trigonus occurs at lower altitudes in the Sierra Madre Oriental. Ariocarpus retusus can be found growing in limestone and rocky slopes, often in the shade of scraggly desert vegetation. The species is threatened by illegal collecting and habitat loss due to agriculture - however, both are considered low threat.
Ariocarpus retusus grows in the same environment as many other cacti, the most notable of which would be Lophophora williamsii, the Peyote cactus. The indigenous Rarámuri people consumed both Lophophora and Ariocarpus in their traditional religious sacraments and it is therefore considered a culturally significant plant.
-
Ariocarpus retusus is typically considered the easiest species in the Ariocarpus genus to cultivate.
With correct soil and watering, we believe it is an extremely low-maintenance plant.
Ariocarpus retusus requires a sharp, fast-draining mineral-based substrate with only a little organic matter (90% mineral, 10% organic). It hates sitting in wet, soggy soil.
Keep in a part shade position to maintain the deep green colour. Plants that receive too much sun without being acclimatised slowly will turn a grey colour.
Water only lightly once per month when temperatures drop below 10°C. Water deeply once a week in Summer. Avoid getting water on the cactus itself, try to water around it.
Light feeds with fertiliser can be applied from late spring to early autumn. Try to source a low-nitrogen and high-potassium fertiliser. An NPK ratio of 1(N) 0.4(P) 1.5(K) is ideal. Always start with small amounts and work up to avoid fertiliser burns. Cacti will only ever require, at most, half the recommended dosage of other plants.
-
Ariocarpus retusus is the largest and fastest-growing species in the slow-growing Ariocarpus genus. Plants typically take ~2-3 years to reach 20-30mm diameter (this size).
Plants will begin to flower around 6-10 years.
Mature plants (20+ years old) will reach a maximum size of around 250mm in diameter.
