Pale coryphantha Coryphantha pallida
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ABOUT
C. pallida is an evergreen cactus to 12cm in height, with almost globose stems with large tubercles each ending with several brownish spines. Flowers pale yellow with red throat, 5cm across
About this plant
Names
Family
Cactaceae.
Synonyms
Pallid Beehive Cactus, Coyote Pincushion Cactus.
Common names
Coryphantha pallida var. pallida, Mammillaria echinus var. pallida, Mammillaria pallida.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
6 inches (15 cm)
Plant type
Cactus
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Mexico
Benefits
General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Coryphantha pallida, also known as the Pincushion Cactus, is valued for its aesthetic appeal, with its spherical shape and beautiful flowers adding beauty to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Drought Tolerance: As a cactus species, it requires minimal water and can survive in dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-efficient gardening.
- Easy Care: It's relatively low-maintenance, needing only occasional watering and light feeding, which is ideal for those new to plant care or with busy lifestyles.
- Pest Resistance: The Pincushion Cactus is typically resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments and making it a more eco-friendly plant option.
- Longevity: It has a long lifespan, providing enjoyment for many years with proper care.
- Soil Adaptability: This plant is adaptable to a range of soil types, as long as the soil has good drainage.
- Educational Value: Its unique morphology can serve as an educational tool for teaching about desert ecosystems and plant adaptations.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Coryphantha pallida, also known as pale cory cactus, can be used as a natural barrier; its spiny texture deters animals and can be planted as part of a defensive landscaping strategy.
- The striking appearance of pale cory cactus makes it an attractive choice for succulent collections and rock gardens, enhancing the aesthetic diversity.
- This cactus species may be employed in sustainable gardening practices, requiring minimal water and care, hence conserving resources.
- Pale cory cactus, due to its unique form, may be used in art and photography projects as a natural sculptural element.
- Indigenous people have traditionally used the spines of pale cory cactus for small-scale fishing and hunting tools.
- In some cultures, cacti like pale cory cactus are believed to symbolize protection and can be used in spiritual or esoteric practices.
- Pale cory cactus can contribute to soil stabilization in arid regions, preventing erosion and supporting the local ecosystem.
- The seeds of the pale cory cactus are a potential source of food for birds and small mammals, thus integrating into wildlife support practices.
- Enthusiasts may use the pale cory cactus as a natural way to experiment with drought-resistant horticulture and agricultural techniques.
- Pale cory cactus may be a subject in academic and educational settings for botanical study and research on desert plant adaptations.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Pincushion Cactus is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Pincushion Cactus is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Resilience: Coryphantha pallida, commonly known as Pincushion Cactus, often symbolizes resilience due to its ability to thrive in harsh desert conditions, conserving water and enduring extreme temperatures.
- Protection: The spines of the Pincushion Cactus serve as protection against predators and the elements, making it a symbol of defense and guarding one's space.
- Adaptation: As a plant that adapts to scarce resources and challenging environments, the Pincushion Cactus represents the ability to adjust and survive in different conditions.
- Self-Sufficiency: The Pincushion Cactus doesn’t require much to sustain itself, symbolizing independence and the ability to provide for oneself without relying on external help.
- Beauty in Simplicity: With its understated appearance and delicate flowers, the Pincushion Cactus is a reminder that there is beauty in simplicity and modesty.
Water
The pallid cory cactus should be watered sparingly, typically every 1-2 weeks during the active growing season, which is usually from late spring to early fall. During this time, provide enough water to soak the soil thoroughly until it runs out of the drainage holes, which might be around 8-16 ounces depending on the size of the pot. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. During the dormant season in the fall and winter, reduce watering to once a month or less, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
Light
Pallid cory cactus thrives best under full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. An ideal location would be a south or west-facing window if grown indoors, or an area that receives ample morning light and some afternoon shade if grown outdoors.
Temperature
Pallid cory cactus prefers temperatures between 70°F and 90°F during its growing season. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about 50°F, but should not be exposed to frost, as it can damage the plant. Providing good ventilation around the plant helps maintain the ideal temperature range and promotes healthy growth.
Pruning
Pruning pallid cory cactus is not typically required as it is a slow-growing plant. However, if you need to remove any dead or damaged spines, do so with care using tweezers or a small pair of tongs. This should be done as needed, and there is no specific time for pruning since the cactus grows relatively slowly and maintains its shape well.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Pallid Cory Cactus requires a well-draining soil mix such as a cactus or succulent potting mix. Adding extra perlite or pumice can enhance drainage. The preferred soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.5.
Repotting
Pallid Cory Cactus should be repotted every two to three years or when it outgrows its pot. It's best to repot during the plant's active growth period in the spring or summer.
Humidity & Misting
Pallid Cory Cactus thrives in low humidity conditions typical of arid environments. It is well-suited to indoor environments where the humidity is generally lower.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from heavy rain.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycle
Coryphantha pallida, commonly known as pale cory cactus, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically dispersed by wind or animals, and most successfully germinates in a warm, well-drained substrate, with light being a critical factor. Upon sprouting, the seedling slowly develops a taproot and starts to form the characteristic globular to cylindric stem with woolly areoles. Vegetative growth progresses as the cactus develops spines and matures, photosynthesizing to generate energy. As the plant reaches maturity, which may take several years, it produces attractive yellow flowers, commonly in the late spring or summer that are pollinated by insects, leading to fruit and seed set. After pollination and fruit maturation, the seeds are then released into the environment to start a new generation. The species continues to grow and can produce flowers annually, with individual cacti capable of living for many decades under the right conditions.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Coryphantha pallida, also known as the Pincushion Cactus, is most effectively propagated using seeds. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring or summer when temperatures are warm, which mimics their natural germination period in the wild. To propagate Pincushion Cactus by seeds, one should first fill a pot with a well-draining cactus mix. Sow the seeds on the surface of the soil and gently press them in, covering them with a thin layer of sand or fine grit. The pot should be placed in a warm location with indirect light and covered with plastic wrap or a glass pane to maintain humidity. It is essential to keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Over the course of several weeks to months, with proper warmth and ventilation, the seeds will germinate, and tiny cacti will begin to grow.