Care of the cacti Coryphantha durangensis or Mammillaria durangensis |
The genus Coryphantha, family Cactaceae, includes 40 species of cactus native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Some species are: Coryphantha durangensis, Coryphantha cornifera, Coryphantha compacta, Coryphantha andreae, Coryphantha octacantha, Coryphantha sulcata, Coryphantha werdermannii, Coryphantha recurvata, Coryphantha elephantides, Coryphantha macromeris, Coryphantha ottonis, Coryphantha pallida, Coryphantha maiz-tablasensis. Scientific synonym: Mammillaria durangensis. This species is native to Coahuila and Durango, Mexico. They are solitary cacti (sometimes cespitose) with a cylindrical body and a greyish-green color that have large tubers arranged in a spiral. They reach 15 cm (5.9") in height. In the woolly areolas they have 6-15 radial spines 1 cm (0.39") in length and white or gray color and 1 to 3 black central spines. The flowers are quite large (up to 4 cm/1.57" in diameter) and can be white or yellowish. Mammillaria durangensis is used in pots for balconies, windows, terraces and greenhouses. Coryphantha durangensis needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. In winter the temperature should not be less than 3 ºC (37.4 ºF). The soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti or a mixture, in the same proportions, of heather soil, blond peat, black peat and siliceous sand. Always water moderately, waiting until the soil has dried completely. In winter do not water. No need to fertilize or prune. Coryphantha durangensis is not usually attacked by pests but is sensitive to excess moisture. Mammillaria durangensis propagates easily by seeds sown in spring in a seedbed in sandy soil. |
Images of the cacti Coryphantha durangensis or Mammillaria durangensis |