Care of the cacti Coryphantha macromeris or Big Needle 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 macromeris, Coryphantha elephantides, Coryphantha durangensis, Coryphantha cornifera, Coryphantha compacta, Coryphantha andreae, Coryphantha octacantha, Coryphantha sulcata, Coryphantha werdermannii, Coryphantha recurvata, Coryphantha ottonis, Coryphantha pallida, Coryphantha maiz-tablasensis. Common names: Long Mamma Foxtail-Cactus, Big Needle Cactus, Big Nipple Cory-Cactus, Long Mamma, Nipple Beehive Cactus, Dona Ana. This species is native the United States and Mexico. They are small dark green cacti that reach 15 cm (5.9") in height. They have large tubercles with round, woolly areoles. They have 7-10 radial spines and 1-3 longer central black spines. The flowers are quite large (up to 6 cm/2.36" in diameter) and can be pink or purple. Only the adult specimens bloom and they don't always. They are used in pots for balconies, patios, terraces and greenhouses. The Coryphantha macromeris needs full sun exposure. The winter safety temperature is 3 ºC (37.4 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of 75% commercial cactus substrate and 25% siliceous sand. Water moderately in spring and summer waiting for the soil to be completely dry. In winter there is no need to water. They do not need pruning or fertilization. They are sensitive plants to excess of irrigation. They propagate by seeds sown in spring or by separation of suckers but they are slow processes. |
Images of the cacti Coryphantha macromeris or Big Needle Cactus |
 Coryphantha macromeris v runyonii  Coryphantha macromeris v runyonii |