Contents
Description
Coryphantha Sulcata, commonly known as the Arizona nipple cactus, is a slow-growing, small-sized cactus native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a solitary cactus that grows up to 6 inches in height and 4 inches in diameter. The plant body is globular or cylindrical with a depressed apex and is covered with white, woolly, and bristly spines that protect it from predators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Coryphantha |
Appearance
Coryphantha Sulcata is a small-sized cactus with a globular or cylindrical body that grows up to 6 inches in height and 4 inches in diameter. The plant body is covered with white, woolly, and bristly spines that protect it from predators. The spines are arranged in a radial pattern and are curved towards the plant body. The cactus produces small, funnel-shaped, pink or magenta flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer.
Care Guide
Coryphantha Sulcata is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for taking care of this cactus:
Water: Water the plant sparingly, once a month in winter and every two weeks in summer. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced cactus fertilizer.
Soil: Use a well-draining cactus soil mix or a sandy soil mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Sunlight: Place the plant in a bright, sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Coryphantha Sulcata is hardy in USDA zones 9a to 11b.
Common Pests & Diseases
Coryphantha Sulcata is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and mild soap. The cactus is also prone to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Habitat
Coryphantha Sulcata is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in rocky or gravelly soils in desert grasslands, shrublands, and scrublands.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Coryphantha Sulcata be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Coryphantha Sulcata can be grown indoors in a bright, sunny location.
Q: How often should I water Coryphantha Sulcata?
A: Water the plant sparingly, once a month in winter and every two weeks in summer. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering.
Q: Does Coryphantha Sulcata require fertilization?
A: Yes, fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced cactus fertilizer.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Coryphantha Sulcata?
A: Coryphantha Sulcata is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. The cactus is also prone to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Coryphantha Sulcata:
- Coryphantha Cornifera
- Coryphantha Echinus
- Coryphantha Greenii
- Coryphantha Macromeris
- Coryphantha Ramillosa
References
- “Coryphantha sulcata”. World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2021-07-26.
- “Coryphantha sulcata”. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 2021-07-26.
- “Coryphantha sulcata”. Cactus art. Retrieved 2021-07-26.
