Recommended Temperature Zone:

USDA: 8b-11 Zone Chart

Frost Protection:

Hardy to 15°F (-10°C)

Sun Exposure:

Can survive in full sun but does better with some sun protection in Phoenix. In habitat commonly grows under bushes.

Range/Origin:

USA (Texas, New Mexico), northern Mexico (Coahuila, Chihuahua and Durango).

Size and Growth Habits:

Solitary, grows slowly to 8 inches in diameter. Small pink flowers in summer.

Watering requirements:

Little water during growing season. No water in winter

Propagation:

seeds

Many cacti are not winter hardy (including Ariocarpus) and will need to be protected from freezing weather. Growing in containers which can be moved indoors is recommended in northern climates.

Soil: Cacti thrive in soil that provides good drainage. Avoid heavily compacting soils. Pre-mixed potting soil, with or without added fertilizers, isavailable at any garden center and can be used alone or can form the basis of a good custom blend as in the recipe below. Commercial cactus mixes which are available at nurseries and stores such as Home Depot are even better as they are usually prepared using a combination of sand, organic matter, and larger particulates such as small stones, perlite, or vermiculite. These insure that drainage and aeration of soil will be adequate. One benefit of using these pre-packaged source materials is that they tend to be relatively clean and not in need of sterilization. Here is a simple recipe, using organic ingredients which are easily purchased, that can be a good basis for anyone who wishes to grow a few, or a lot of plants.

8 parts potting soil

3 parts vermiculite or perlite or (preferably) a mix of both

1 part clean sand

1/4 to 1 part composted steer manure

The steer manure is optional and may be omitted or substituted with other organic fertilizer. (1/8 part bat guano is an excellent alternative if available.) Vermiculite and perlite increase the aeration of the mix that promotes fast and prolific root growth. Kelp meal and alfalfa meal may be added in 1/2 to 1 part proportions and benefits the growth of new roots and shoots.

Planting: Rooted Plants- Place the new plant in an appropriate size pot (or outdoors in rich garden soil if you live in a no-freeze zone) and arrange the roots comfortably as you fill the new pot with soil. Try not to bury the stem much farther than where the old soil line is- as is noted by where the green starts. Water well so that the soil settles and supports the plant. A topping of a quarter inch to one-inch layer of small pebbles or gravel can
provide additional support, conserve moisture, and be pleasing to the eye.

Cuttings- Same as above but make sure that the cut end is thoroughly dried and calloused. This takes a week or two from the time the cut was made. One thoroughly dry the cut end can then be placed in soil just as if it had roots. New roots will begin to develop underground within 4 to 8 weeks in warm weather. Water less often at first. Once the tip shows signs of growth, watering can be more frequent.

Watering: The basic rule is don’t water when still moist but water thoroughly when dry. This will vary according to season and climate. In summer, the above mentioned soil mix might easily dry once or twice a week depending on the size of potting container used. A well draining soil mix may be watered more frequently than soil that is heavy and compact or which has a clay-like consistency. During winter, slow watering down (unless you are growing indoors) to once a month. These plants can survive for a year or more without a drop of water.