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Description
Coryphantha Cornifera, commonly known as the horn cactus, is a small cactus species that belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is native to the Chihuahuan Desert of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The cactus has a solitary, globular shape and grows up to 5 inches tall and 6 inches wide. It has a pale green color and is covered in numerous white or yellow spines that grow from tubercles on the cactus’s surface.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus|| ——— | ——— | ———| ———| ———| ———| ——— || Eukaryota | Plantae| Tracheophyta | Magnoliopsida | Caryophyllales | Cactaceae | Coryphantha |
Appearance
The horn cactus has a unique appearance with its horn-like tubercles and spines. The cactus has a globular shape that can grow up to 5 inches tall and 6 inches wide. It has a pale green color that can sometimes turn a reddish hue under bright sunlight. The spines of the cactus are white or yellow and grow from tubercles on the surface of the cactus. The tubercles can grow to become horn-like and can give the cactus its common name, the horn cactus.
Care Guide
Caring for the horn cactus is relatively easy as long as you provide it with the right conditions. Here are some care tips to keep your cactus healthy:- Water: The horn cactus is a desert plant and does not require much water. Water it once a month during the growing season and once every two months during the dormant season. Make sure the soil is dry before watering it again.- Fertilization: Fertilize the cactus once a year during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The horn cactus prefers well-draining soil. Use a cactus mix or add perlite or sand to regular potting soil to improve drainage.- Sunlight: The horn cactus needs bright sunlight to thrive. Place it in a sunny spot, preferably facing south or west.- Hardiness Zones: The horn cactus is hardy in USDA zones 9a to 11b.
Common Pests & Diseases
The horn cactus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but there are a few to watch out for:- Mealybugs: These small, white insects can infest the cactus and cause damage. Remove them by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.- Scale insects: These insects can appear as small bumps on the cactus and can cause yellowing or wilting. Remove them by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the cactus. Make sure the soil is dry before watering and avoid getting water on the leaves or stem of the cactus.
Habitat
The horn cactus is native to the Chihuahuan Desert of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows in rocky terrain and can be found at elevations up to 6000 feet. The cactus is adapted to the hot and dry conditions of the desert and can survive long periods of drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the horn cactus grow indoors?
A: Yes, the horn cactus can grow indoors as long as it is placed in a sunny spot and is not overwatered.Q: How often should I fertilize my horn cactus?
A: Fertilize the cactus once a year during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: Is the horn cactus resistant to pests and diseases?
A: Yes, the horn cactus is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but watch out for mealybugs, scale insects, and root rot.Q: What is the hardiness zone for the horn cactus?
A: The horn cactus is hardy in USDA zones 9a to 11b.
Related Plants
– Coryphantha sulcata- Coryphantha vivipara- Coryphantha macromeris- Coryphantha radians
References
– “Coryphantha Cornifera.” World of Succulents, www.worldofsucculents.com/cactus-succulents/coryphantha-cornifera-horn-cactus.- “Horn Cactus (Coryphantha Cornifera).” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/coryphantha-cornifera-horn-cactus.
