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🌞 Light
Requires full sun or very bright light for compact growth and thick caudex formation.
Outdoors: full sun is ideal.
Indoors: place near a south-facing window or use strong grow lights.
💧 Watering
Active growth (spring–summer): Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry.
Dormancy (fall–winter): The plant drops its leaves—stop watering almost completely; water only once every 4–6 weeks to prevent caudex shriveling.
Overwatering is the main cause of rot; always err on the dry side.
🌵 Soil
Prefers very well-draining, mineral-based soil.
Recommended mix:
60–70% pumice, coarse sand, or lava rock
30–40% cactus mix or gritty organic component
Avoid peat or dense potting soil.
🌡️ Temperature
Ideal range: 75–95°F (24–35°C).
Tolerates heat well but is not frost-hardy — protect from temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
🍃 Fertilization
Feed lightly during active growth with a balanced, low-nitrogen succulent fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.
Do not fertilize during dormancy.
🪴 Container & Repotting
Use a porous clay or terracotta pot with large drainage holes.
Slight root-binding encourages caudex thickening.
Repot every 2–3 years in spring before the new growth season.
✂️ Maintenance
Remove dead leaves during dormancy.
Avoid pruning branches unless shaping is necessary — growth is slow.
Handle carefully; spines are sharp, and the caudex is delicate.
🌱 Propagation
Typically grown from seed, as cuttings rarely root successfully.
Seeds germinate in warm, bright conditions (80–90°F / 27–32°C) with consistent moisture.
