Ariocarpus fissuratus

Living Rock Cactus

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Taxonomy

Family Cactaceae · Genus Ariocarpus

Common Names

Living Rock CactusFalse PeyoteChautle

Context

nativeRegion

Chihuahuan Desert of Texas and northern Mexico

usdaZones

9–11

companionPlants

Echinocactus horizonthalonius, Lophophora williamsii, Astrophytum spp.

culturalUses

Admired and collected for its unique appearance; traditional uses by indigenous peoples include minor medicinal applications, but not hallucinogenic like some relatives.

Care

Care Requirements

LightPrefers full sun with some light shading during peak midday. Indoors, place in a bright, sunny window.

WateringVery minimal; water sparingly during the active growing season (spring to fall), allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. No water in winter dormancy.

SoilExtremely well-draining, mineral-rich cactus mix with added grit or pumice; avoid organic-heavy soils.

FertilizerOccasional light feeding with diluted cactus fertilizer in spring and late summer; avoid overfertilizing.

HumidityThrives in dry conditions; avoid excess humidity which can cause rot.

TemperaturePrefers warm temperatures (20–35°C/68–95°F). Protect from frost; minimum tolerated temperature is around 5°C (41°F).

Growth & Life Cycle

HabitSlow-growing, low, stemless geophyte (rosette-forming) cactus, often flush with soil surface.

Mature SizeTypically 5–20 cm in diameter; height up to 6 cm above ground.

Growth RateVery slow; can take decades to reach maturity.

BloomingBlooms in autumn (usually October), producing magenta or pinkish-purple flowers at the apex.

DormancyDormant in winter (cool, dry rest required).

Propagation

MethodsSeed, Grafting

DifficultyDifficult (seedlings are delicate; slow growth and high loss rates)

Best SeasonSpring for both seeding and grafting

Maintenance & Notes

PruningNot necessary except to remove decayed tissue if rot occurs.

RepottingVery infrequent; repot only every few years or when the plant outgrows its container. Minimize root disturbance.

Pests & DiseasesVulnerable to rot from overwatering; occasional mealybugs or scale insects. Fungal infections possible if humidity is too high.

ToxicityNot known to be toxic.

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