Overview
Coryphantha scheeri, also known as Scheer's pincushion cactus, is a small cactus species native to North America. The plant is named after George Scheer, a botanist who collected the first specimen of this species in 1929. It belongs to the family Cactaceae and the genus Coryphantha, which comprises about 60 species of cacti.
Appearance
Coryphantha scheeri is a small, slow-growing cactus that usually grows from 3 to 8 cm (1.2 to 3.1 in) tall and up to 10 cm (4 in) in diameter. It has a spherical or cylindrical shape and dense clusters of tubercles, which are small, cone-shaped projections on the cactus body. The tubercles are green to gray-green and have white woolly areoles and yellowish spines. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and appear in late spring or early summer. They are usually pink or magenta and measure about 2 cm (0.8 in) in diameter.
Distribution
Coryphantha scheeri is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Its range includes Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Sonora. The plant grows in rocky or gravelly soils in deserts, grasslands, and shrublands. It prefers well-drained soils and full sunlight, and can tolerate high temperatures and drought.
Uses
Coryphantha scheeri is cultivated as an ornamental plant and can be grown in rock gardens, containers, or xeriscapes. It is valued for its small size, attractive appearance, and low maintenance requirements. The plant is also used in traditional medicine by some Native American tribes for treating various ailments such as diabetes, arthritis, and skin infections. However, the effectiveness and safety of these uses have not been clinically proven.
Conservation
Coryphantha scheeri is not considered a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, it is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and cannot be traded internationally without a permit. The plant's populations are affected by habitat loss, illegal collection, and climate change, and conservation efforts are needed to ensure its long-term survival.
Light Requirements
Coryphantha scheeri requires bright light but cannot tolerate bright, direct sunlight for long periods. Therefore, the plant needs to be placed in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. This can be attained by placing the plant near a South-facing window if you are in the Northern Hemisphere and a North-facing window if you are in the Southern Hemisphere.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can only tolerate a little frost and prefers warmer temperatures. Ideally, the plant requires temperatures between 21°C (70°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night. It is best to keep the plant away from heat sources such as heaters and radiators.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic and has a pH range between 6.0 and 6.5. You can use potting soil that has been specially formulated for cacti or create a soil mix containing sand, perlite, and peat moss. It is vital to ensure the soil is not waterlogged as it can cause root rot.
Cultivation methods
Coryphantha scheeri (Muehlenpfordt) L. Benson is a cactus species native to southern Arizona, Mexico, and Sonora. The plant is adaptable to both indoors and outdoors environments, where it thrives in soils with excellent drainage capabilities. When planting this species, ensure it gets enough sunlight exposure ranging from full to partial sun.
Watering needs
The watering needs of Coryphantha scheeri vary according to the prevailing season. During summer periods, when the temperatures are high, the plant requires frequent watering. In winter, you can reduce the watering periods. Ensure that the soil is dry before watering the plant, as this helps prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Coryphantha scheeri requires minimal fertilization for optimal growth and development. It's advisable to introduce manure or water-soluble fertilizers to the plant's soil during the growing period. However, ensure that the plant's soil is well-draining before fertilizing.
Pruning
Coryphantha scheeri (Muehlenpfordt) L. Benson requires minimal pruning. You may need to remove any faded or withering stems or leaves to enhance its aesthetics. However, it's essential to handle the plant with care while performing this procedure to avoid pricking your fingers.
Propagation of Coryphantha scheeri
Coryphantha scheeri (Muehlenpfordt) L. Benson, commonly known as Scheer's nipple cactus, is a small, globular cactus native to southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods, including seeds, offsets, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Coryphantha scheeri. The seeds are small and should be sown in well-draining soil mixtures. It is recommended to cover the seeds with a thin layer of sand or gravel to help prevent damping off. The seeds should be kept moist, but not wet. Germination can usually take 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by offsets
Coryphantha scheeri produces offsets, also known as pups, which can be removed for propagation. The offsets should be allowed to dry for a few days before planting them in well-draining soil. The best time to take offsets is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from Coryphantha scheeri to propagate the plant. To do so, cut a healthy stem at a 45-degree angle, allow the cutting to dry for a few days, and then plant it in well-draining soil. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer.
Propagation by grafting
Propagation of Coryphantha scheeri can also be done through grafting. The plant is often grafted onto other cacti, such as San Pedro cactus, for stability and to increase growth. To do so, the top of the Coryphantha scheeri is cut off, and the stem is grafted onto the rootstock of the other cactus. The graft should be allowed to heal before watering.
Disease Management
Coryphantha scheeri is a hardy cactus plant that has natural resistance to most diseases. However, it may still be susceptible to fungal infections, especially in conditions where there is too much moisture around the roots.
To manage fungal infections, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. If the plant shows signs of fungal infection, such as black spots or rotting, prune away the affected areas and reduce watering frequency until the plant recovers.
In case of severe infection, you may need to apply a fungicide to the soil or to the affected areas of the plant. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using fungicides, and use only those formulated for cactus plants.
Pest Management
While Coryphantha scheeri is generally resistant to pests, it can still fall prey to insect infestations. Common pests that may affect this cactus include mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, and thrips. These pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking sap and weakening its structure.
To manage pest infestations, inspect the plant regularly for signs of pests, such as white cottony spots or spider webs. If you discover any pests, isolate the plant immediately to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants. You can treat pest infestations by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Alternatively, you can remove the pests physically by wiping the affected areas with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Always wear gloves when handling plants that have been treated with insecticides or rubbing alcohol.
Remember to follow proper hygiene practices in caring for your Coryphantha scheeri plant to prevent the spread of disease and pests. For instance, sterilize your gardening tools before and after use to prevent the spread of pathogens. Keep plants in well-ventilated areas to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Finally, avoid overcrowding your plants, as this can promote the spread of both diseases and pests.
