Horticulture Principles and Practices

Escobaria
These are relatively small plants that bloom easily in a wide variety of colors including
yellow, purple, pink, and red (Figure 14–20). They are found in the wild in the southwestern
United States and Mexico. They usually require abundant sunlight and a protracted
resting period in winter.
Ferocactus
These are also native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are noted for
their pronounced and attractive spines (Figure 14–21). As houseplants, they are difficult
to get to bloom. They can be kept outdoors during the growing season and returned
indoors for the resting period.
Gymnocactus
Gymnocactus cacti are native to Mexico. These globular cacti bear small, brightly
colored flowers, in white, pink, magenta, and others. As houseplants, they are best kept
in the window so they receive some direct sunlight. It is also critical not to water them
during the resting period in the cool season.
Gymnocalycium
Like the Echinopsis group, Gymnocalycium species are native to South America, occurring
in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay. They are fast growing and flower
easily in colors including white, orange, pink, green, and yellow (Figure 14–22). They
exhibit a very wide diversity of color and texture on their globular stems. They can be
propagated by the offsets they are noted for producing. They also shrink during their winter
rest period when they must be kept cool and dry.
Mammillaria
Found in the wild in the southwestern United States and Mexico, these species of
plant mostly occur in the mountain regions. They exhibit a wide variety of shapes,
sizes, and spine colors (Figure 14–23). They produce small flowers that occur in a circular
arrangement around the top of the stem; however, the stem is solitary in some
species.
FIGURE 14–20 Escobaria.
(Source: © Dorling Kindersley)
FIGURE 14–21 Ferocactus.
(Source: © Dorling Kindersley)
FIGURE 14–22 Gymnocalycium.
(Source: © Dorling Kindersley)
464 Chapter 14 Growing Succulents