How to Grow Great Aztekium

Growing succulents in your home plant collection can be a very enjoyable hobby. Succulents come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The cactus aztekium is no exception. It is a wonderful addition to any collection. Here are some tips to help you grow a prize specimen of aztekium in your plant collection.

Aztekium is pronounced az-TEK-ee-um. This plant is in the Cactaceae family and the group Echinocactus. Aztekium is a native of Mexico.

This cactus grows in a globe shape and is gray-green to green in color. The plant will remain quite small. As it matures, it will for clusters of small globes. There are main and secondary ribs on each globe. The main globes have spine areoles, but the secondary globes do not. On the top of the plant, small bristles will form on new areoles. But, these will soon fall off.

Aztekium requires soil that is gritty and rich. This plant will do best if place in an area that receives bright light. It should be given a moderate amount of moisture. However, be careful that you do not over water this cactus. The soil should be almost completely dry before more water is added.

The flowers of the aztekium will be up to ½ an inch in diameter and are in the form of a funnel. Their color can be white to pink. The flowers will grow on the top of the plant and they will appear off and on throughout the spring and summer months.

Aztekium can be propagated using seeds. However, this method is very slow. Or, it is possible for you to graft the offsets to get new plants. It is very important to keep the aztekium underpotted. Be sure to keep the pot small and the plant will do much better. They are difficult to grow and are not recommended for beginners.

The most recommended species of aztekium is A. ritteri. It has clusters of freely forming mats. But, this will only be seen after it has reached it's maximum growth. This species adapts well to windowsill gardens, so is a bit easier than the other species for beginners.

With a bit of experience, a lovely specimen of aztekium can be attained. The small globe structure of the plant will make it a lovely addition to any container garden. Hopefully, these tips will help you grow a wonderful specimen of aztekium in your plant collection.