Imagine a cactus so strange and unique , it seem like it was plucked flat off an alien planet . With its twisted , rib trunk and tiny pink flowers , the Aztekium ritteri is one of the rarest and most coveted cacti in the world .
This miniature marvel is only retrieve by nature farm in a few little expanse of northeast Mexico . In fact , its entire natural home ground encompass just a few square miles in the United States Department of State of Nuevo León ! That ’s right – the entire wild population of this bizarre cactus exists in an area smaller than most metropolis green .
With a distribution that focalise , it ’s no wonder the Aztekium ritteri has earned a repute as one of the most endangered cacti species on Earth . menace like home ground loss and illegal poaching have pushed this eldritch little flora to the threshold of extinction in the state of nature . But that mind - blowing rarity is precisely what make it so worthy to cactus collectors around the globe .
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About Aztekium ritteri
Believed to be one of the most primitive living cactus species , Aztekium ritteri consists of a single , spherical stem hatch in prominent rib and clusters of prickle . It exceed out at just 4 - 6 in ( 10 - 15 cm ) tall and 2 - 4 in ( 5 - 10 cm ) wide – a tangible illumination !
The diminutive size of it and low , flattened condition help this cactus minimize surface area to reduce wet going in its passing desiccate native habitat . The funnel shape - form snowy or wan pink heyday blossom from the growing tip in bound or former summertime .
While rare in nature , Aztekium ritteri has become widely school by hobby raiser who savor the challenge of keep this particular industrial plant alive . With some specialized care , it ’s possible to grow this “ peyotillo ” in just about any climate .
Related Post:1,000 Types of Cactus [ With characterisation ]
How to Care for Aztekium ritteri
Light
This cactus craves bright ignitor , but too much intense , direct sun will scorch it . Outdoors , situate in morning Dominicus and afternoon shade . Indoors , add on with agrow lighton a 12 - 14 hr oscillation positioned just 6 - 12 inches ( 15 - 30 cm ) away .
Water
During its spring / summertime growing time period , permit the land to in full dry before thoroughly souse the locoweed . Then do n’t irrigate again until dry . In winter , cease water entirely to allow dormancy .
Soil
A well - draining , spongelike succulent / cactus soil mixing is unadulterated for Aztekium ritteri . Look for one containing constituent like pumice stone , perlite or crushed granite to ensure sharp drainage . The idealpH rangeis slightly acidic to neutral around 6.0 - 7.0 . Avoid alkaline land as they can inhibit growth .
Fertilizing
fertilise monthly in spring / summertime with a balancedfertilizer formulated for cacti , diluted to 1/4 – 1/2 strength .
Temperature
True to its Mexican heritage , Aztekium ritteri relisheswarm conditionsfrom 70 - 90 ° F ( 21 - 32 ° blow ) . void freezing temporary worker below 40 ° F ( 5 ° C ) in wintertime .
Pests and Problems
by and large pest - free if kept on the dry side . But audit for vulgar cactus pests like mealybug or spider mites and treat them pronto . Rot from overwatering is the biggest threat .
Pruning
Due to its of course flyspeck height and tiresome growth , pruning is seldom required for Aztekium ritteri .
Potting and Repotting
Any well - draining container with a pickle in the bottom will serve . Repottingis seldom need given the plant ’s diminutive size of it .
Propagating Aztekium ritteri
Aztekiums are notoriously unmanageable to propagate from seed or cut , but it can be done with longanimity :
From Seed :
From cutting :
No matter which method you use , disseminate Aztekium ritteri require considerable skill and solitaire . With proper care and time , you may eventually produce your own young flora from this rare and endangered cactus coinage .
