Coryphantha calipensis: The Unassuming Cactus with a Colorful Personality
You’re browsing the cactus section at your local nursery when suddenly something small and unassuming catches your eye. It’s the Coryphantha calipensis – a pint-sized cactus that may not look like much at first glance, but wait until you get to know its big, colorful personality! This little guy is about to steal your heart.
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About Coryphantha calipensis
Native to the arid regions of Mexico, Coryphantha calipensis belongs to the Cactaceae family. It’s a low-branching, globular cactus that forms compact, eye-catching clusters as it grows. While it maxes out at a humble 2-inch height and width, it makes up for its small stature with a wonderfully quirky look featuring a tuberculate (knobby) stem, an array of spines, and bright yellowish-green flowers that bloom each summer.
In its “teenage” years, the cactus sports just radial spines jutting out horizontally. But as it matures into an adult, it adds a rugged central spike too. Between its spiny getup and shapely form that morphs from rounded to slightly elongated over time, this cactus has more personality packed into its tiny frame than you can imagine!
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How to Care for Coryphantha calipensis
Light Requirements
Like most cacti, Coryphantha calipensis thrives in full sun. Ideally, it needs 6-8 hours of direct light per day. Grow it outdoors in a sunny spot, or place it on a south-facing windowsill indoors. A grow light is an excellent option if you can’t provide enough natural light.
Watering Needs
This is a wonderfully low-maintenance plant when it comes to watering. Only give Coryphantha calipensis a drink when the soil is completely dry, about every 2-3 weeks. Too much moisture can lead to rot and pests, so err on the too-dry side.
Soil Preference
A free-draining cactus mix is essential for keeping the roots healthy. Look for a gritty, chunky soil amended with materials like perlite, pumice or chicken grit to increase aeration and drainage. The right soil mix is crucial!
Fertilizing
Coryphantha calipensis has modest fertilizer needs. An application of a balanced cactus fertilizer once a year during spring is plenty. Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength before using.
Temperature and Humidity
This cactus can handle typical household temperatures of 65-85°F year-round. Aim to provide low humidity of around 40%. It does not tolerate freezing temps below 25°F.
Pests and Problems
Overall a robust plant, Coryphantha calipensis is fairly resistant to pests and diseases. The main threats are mealybugs, root rot from overwatering, and nematodes. Check regularly and treat any infestations promptly.
Pruning
No pruning is required for this slow-grower.
Potting and Repotting
Plant Coryphantha calipensis in a shallow, well-draining container like a terracotta pot. Use a gritty, fast-draining cactus mix. Only repot every 3-4 years into a pot 1-2 inches wider.
Propagating Coryphantha calipensis
Ready to multiply your Coryphantha calipensis collection? Propagating from seed is an exciting option for this quirky cactus. Here’s how:
- In spring when temperatures are warm, sow the seeds in pots with a fine, well-draining sandy soil mix
- Cover the seeds with a thin layer of grit
- Water the pots from the bottom and apply a fungicide to prevent damping off
- For 1-2 weeks, cover the pots with a glass/clear plastic sheet to maintain high humidity
- Remove the glass/plastic and replace it with a light shade cloth
- Mist the soil once or twice a day for the next 2 weeks
- Most seeds should germinate within this time period
- Then reduce mistings to every 2-3 days as the seedlings grow
