LIVING ROCK CACTUS: #ariocarpus fissuratus group in bloom #cactus care in my #greenhouse collection

A flowering tray of wonderful and rare Ariocarpus fissuratus, the Living Rock Cactus, in my greenhouse cactus & succulent plants collection. Enjoy with me this marvellous sight and awesome batch of Ariocarpus cacti which flowers every October. Origin & habitat: Mexico & Texas, USA. On dry limestone plains, gentle slopes and rocky limestone hills. This very slow growing cactus can take up to 50 years to reach it‘s fully mature size of ca. 15-20 cm (8 inches) in diameter. Often sold as grafted specimens, to speed up growth and minimise risk of root rot. Cultivation: not too difficult to grow, provided a suitable location is available. In summer: requires full sun exposure and a warm, dry location to grow and bloom. In winter: should be kept quite cool, at ca. 5-8 C (41 – 47 F) and completely dry, no watering! Soil/substrate: needs a very well-draining, mineral-rich cactus mix as very sensitive to root rot. Add 5-10% small limestone chippings/grit. No peat and max. 20% non-mineral components like clay loam. Very sensitive to overwatering! Always make sure the substrate/soil has completely dried off for a minimum of a week or two before watering again. Summer semi-dormancy! (in addition to normal Winter dormancy). Stop watering during July / August and start again in September, to trigger the wonderful blooms in October. (Note: timings apply to northern hemisphere growing). Enjoy! Joe #cactusjoe #cacti #cactusbloom #cactus #succulents #succulent #greenhouse #collection #kakteen #sukkulenten #happygrowing #cactuscare #succulentcare #succulentes #succulentsforbeginners #cactaceae #ariocarpus