Button cactus
| Button cactus | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Core eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily: | Cactaceae |
| Tribe: | Cacteae |
| Genus: | Epithelantha F.A.C.Weber ex Britton & Rose |
| Species | |
Button cacti or pingpong ball cacti (genus Epithelantha) are a genus of cacti. The genus name is formed from Greek and means "flowers upon the tubercles". The genus comprises 2 species.
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[edit] Blooming Habits
The succulents in this group are slow growing, dwarf cacti. These cacti can be grown in a greenhouse or in the desert. They usually are found growing in shallow soil on rocky hillsides around Texas, Arizona and parts of Mexico and bloom from late winter to early spring[1] The button cactus can have very small white and pink flowers which appear in May - June at the apex of the plant.The Button Cactus will flower when it is only 3/4-inch high. These flowers can be followed by small, thin red fruit that look like chilli pepers.[2]This species has the smallest flowers of the Cactaceae.
[edit] Growth Habits
This cactus is a small hardy cactus which usually is 1-2 centimeters across and may have clumps up to 4 inches across. The top is usually depressed with small tubercles bearing 12 - 20 flattened white spines which almost give it an appearance of being woolly. The Button Cactus is one of the more challenging cactus to grow.
[edit] Gardening Tips
These plants need very coarse potting soil in a shallow pot that drains well, they like sun, but can't tolerate full sun all day.The pots should be set in a warm greenhouse or sunny window until they start to sprout.[3] When collecting seeds for harvest allow unblemished fruit to ripen then clean and dry seeds.[4]
[edit] Care
The Button Cactus can be grown in both a greenhouse or a home and requires a little extra care. It is best if the plant receives sunlight coming from the South/West and should be kept at a temperature of 50 to 75 degrees F. Never use ordinary potting compost or garden soil, there are general purpose cactus mixes available.If you want to mix your own take: 3 parts coarse sand or perlite, 2 parts garden soil, 1 part lime, 1 part humus (leaf mold) and 1 part crushed rock. Always use a pot with a hole.[5] When watering drench soil completely and let it become barely moist between watering's. Be aware to water less in the winter and not to use rainwater because of the acidity rainwater contains.During the winter months, plants are placed in the cold room and not given any water at all. Watering during this period can result in plant death.[6] Be sure to feed once a year during the spring with a water soluble fertilizer diluted to half the strength recommended on the label.Requires good ventilation throughout the year.
[edit] References
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