Aztekium ritteri

Habitat

Usually grows on vertical limestone cliffs.

It is endemic to two remote small areas in the Nuevo León region of north-eastern Mexico.

It is endangered in its habitat due to illegal collection and natural erosion of slopes.

Habitat ranges from 800 to 1200 metres above sea level and appears to prefer north-facing slopes to light south-facing slopes.

source：https://uk.inaturalist.org

Description

A spherical cactus, but with a star-shaped rather than circular cross-section due to the presence of 8-11 ridges along the stem.

The stems are usually light green in colour and their surfaces are wrinkled.

The spinous seat is the typical shape of a cactus, from which the spines are formed.

One to three spines on each spinous locus, weak, small and soft.

The flowers grow on the top of the plant and are white or pinkish in colour, very pretty and showy.

Usually 3-4 flowers at a time at the top of the stem.

The flowers eventually form small pink berries which, when ripe, can be used to collect seeds.

Grafting is often used in greenhouses to accelerate growth.

This forms a more rounded individual than plants that grow independently on their roots.

Farming

Growth rate is very slow.

Take care to protect plants from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, and keep them in semi-shaded areas.

The temperature should always be kept above 8-10°C.

Water gradually every 3-4 days and wait until the soil is completely dry before watering.

Use fertile soils rich in sand and inert materials, well drained and low in organic matter.

Fertilise about once a month using a specific product for cacti diluted in water and using half the dose indicated on the packaging.

It is small and slow-growing and does not need frequent replanting.

source：https://uk.inaturalist.org