Care of the cacti Coryphantha compacta or Pincushion Cactus |
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The genus Coryphantha, family Cactaceae, includes 40 species of cactus native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Some species are: Coryphantha compacta, Coryphantha andreae, Coryphantha octacantha, Coryphantha sulcata, Coryphantha werdermannii, Coryphantha durangensis, Coryphantha recurvata, Coryphantha elephantides, Coryphantha cornifera, Coryphantha macromeris, Coryphantha ottonis, Coryphantha pallida, Coryphantha maiz-tablasensis. Common name: Pincushion Cactus. This species is native to Chihuahua, Tamaulipas, and Durango, Mexico. They are small cacti with a globular body with large tubers and greyish-green or deep green epidermis that reach 6 cm (2.36") in height. They have 11-16 whitish radial spines and sometimes a single central spine. The flowers are 2 cm (0.78") in diameter, yellow and appear at the apex of the cactus. Very young specimens can bloom. Pincushion Cactus is used in mini cactus gardens and in pots; it's also suitable for rockeries. Coryphantha compacta can grow in full sun exposure but prefers light shade avoiding direct sun in the middle hours of the day. The winter temperature should not be less than 4 ºC (39.2 ºF); it resists light frosts if the substrate is dry. The soil can be a mixture of commercial cactus substrate with 20% coarse sand. In spring and summer water regularly waiting for the soil to dry out; from autumn the waterings are reduced and in winter they are completely suspended. Fertilize in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti. No pruning. Coryphantha compacta is a sensitive plant to excess humidity. Pincushion Cactus propagates by seeds sown in the seedbed in spring; it does not produce suckers. |
Images of the cacti Coryphantha compacta or Pincushion Cactus |
 Coryphantha compacta |