Get ready to play one of the strangest and most exotic - look plants on planet Earth – the Aztekium valdezii cactus ! This bizarre succulent , aboriginal to a small neighborhood in Mexico , depend like it was plucked straight out of a sci - fi movie . With its globular pattern , gullible - grey color , and refined horizontal ridges lined with backbone , it resemble some kind of alien animate being more than a cactus . But do n’t permit its peculiar show motley fool you – the Aztekium valdezii is very much a real , living industrial plant that you may actually develop at home . Keep reading to find out just how weirdly wonderful this thing sincerely is !
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About Aztekium valdezii
The Aztekium valdezii get its unusual tone from have a undivided , round stalk embrace in 5 perpendicular ribs that further divide into many smaller horizontal ridges . Tiny browned backbone poke out along the ribs , add to its preternatural vibration . At the stem ’s tip , it produces white and lilac flowers during its blooming season . astonishingly , some specimens over 6 inches ( 15 cm ) across could be well over 100 years old !
This freaky little cactus is aboriginal to just one small area in Mexico called Rancho Guadalupe . It ’s considered quite rare in the wild due to over - collect , though it ’s potential to see lawfully propagated plants for sale . With its very sluggish growth charge per unit , the Aztekium valdezii is the arrant , low-pitched - maintenance succulent for patient plant parents who want something wholly unique .
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How to Care for Aztekium valdezii
Looking after an Aztekium valdezii is somewhat straightforward as long as you keep an eye on a few simple dominion . countenance ’s go over the ideal care needs for keeping this gonzo beauty happy and healthy at home plate !
Light
The Aztekium valdezii craves lots of bright sparkle , but too much direct sun can actually burn its delicate skin . drive to give it 4 - 6 hours of direct morning sun when possible , follow by bright , filtered sparkle in the good afternoon . A sunny windowpane facing east or Mae West is ideal , or you canuse a grow lightif born light is limited .
Soil
Like most cacti , the Aztekium valdezii postulate a very well - drain soil mix to obviate rot . Agood quality cactus potting mixamended with superfluous grit like perlite or pumice stone puzzle out absolutely . Steer clear of moisture - hold back mixes or garden soil , which can easy become too compacted and waterlogged .
Water
During its springiness and summer growing season , allow the Aztekium valdezii ’s soil to fully dry out before deep watering again . A deep sousing is better than light , frequent tearing which can make buncombe . In wintertime when the industrial plant is torpid , stop watering completely until you see new growth resuming in spring .
Fertilizer
For an extra development hike , course your Aztekium valdezii abalanced cactus fertilizerat the start of its grow period in spring . Then you may provide a very diluted venereal disease once a month through summer to supercede nutrients softly used up by the plant .
Temperature
The Aztekium valdezii appreciateswarm conditionsbetween 65 - 85 ° F ( 18 - 29 ° C ) during its alive grow calendar month , cooling down to around 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ) for its winter quiescence . It ca n’t tolerate freeze out temps below 40 ° F ( 4 ° C ) , so land it indoors if nighttime depression drop too far .
Pests and Problems
The weird and wonderful Aztekium valdezii is remarkably free ofmajor pestand disease issue when properly cared for . Its slow maturation use and drought - resistant nature make it fair immune to common houseplant plague and problems . However , you ’ll still want to keep an eye out for :
The unspoiled defense mechanism is provide the right surroundings for your Aztekium valdezii . Allow soil to fully juiceless , habituate a well - enfeeble potting mix , and see to it abundant airflow around the plant .
Pruning
Since the Aztekium valdezii forms just a undivided bulbous stem turn , there ’s virtually no indigence for pruning this unique succulent . Its course slow growth pace means it wo n’t be break out of its crapper anytime soon . Any spent bloom can simply be left to dry out up and come off on their own after blooming finishes .
Potting and Repotting
The potting motivation for Aztekium valdezii are simple – any well - enfeeble container with a drain maw will do . Terracotta pots are a corking breathable selection . When pot or repotting , practice a cactus or succulent soil mix amended with extra gritstone like perlite for enhanced drainage .
Repottingis very rarely expect thanks to this industrial plant ’s sluggish growth rate . You may only demand to go up one pot size after 5 - 10 years of development . Signs it ’s outgrown its current home include root peeking through the drain fix or the plant becoming mentally ill in its pot .
Propagating Aztekium valdezii
Increasing your oddball cactus ingathering is possible with the Aztekium valdezii by using these propagation method acting :
With some care and solitaire , you ’ll soon have an exotic - like Aztekium valdezii cactus to call your own ! Its outlandish flesh and vivacious color are sure to be a fascinating conversation piece . Get ready for all your acquaintance to ask “ What is that thing ? ! ” when they see this funky plant chillin ’ on your windowsill .
