Overview
Coryphantha cornifera (DC.) Lem. var. echinus (Engelm.) L. Benson, commonly known as the horn-fruit cactus, is a species of cactus native to Northern America. It is a member of the Cactaceae family and is notable for its distinctive appearance and ornamental value.
Appearance
The horn-fruit cactus is a small, globular cactus that typically reaches a height of 8 to 12 cm and a width of 10 to 20 cm. It has a relatively flat crown and is covered with numerous spine clusters that are up to 2.5 cm long. The spikes are yellowish-white and form a dense ring around the crown of the plant, giving it a unique appearance. The flowers of the Coryphantha cornifera var. echinus are small and yellowish-white, typically blooming in early summer. The fruit is a fleshy, elongated, and horn-shaped, growing up to 5 cm long and 1 cm wide.
Origin
The horn-fruit cactus is native to North America and is found in various regions of the United States, including Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. It is also found in parts of northern Mexico, including Chihuahua and Coahuila.
Common Names
The Coryphantha cornifera var. echinus is known by several common names, including the horn-fruit cactus, the horned hedgehog cactus, and the horned Coryphantha. In Spanish, it is commonly known as cactus cuerno de venado, which translates to "deer horn cactus".
Uses
The horn-fruit cactus is primarily cultivated for ornamental purposes due to its distinctive appearance. It is a popular houseplant and is often grown in pots or containers. In its natural habitat, the plant is used medicinally by Native Americans to treat a range of ailments. The fruit of the Coryphantha cornifera var. echinus is also edible, although it is not commonly consumed.
Light Requirements
Coryphantha cornifera var. echinus commonly grows in full sun to partial shade. This plant requires ample sunlight for photosynthesis and growth, but also needs some shade to prevent sunburn or heat stress. In areas with extremely hot summers, partial shade may be necessary to protect the plant from excessive heat.
Temperature Requirements
Coryphantha cornifera var. echinus is native to arid regions of North America and is adapted to the high temperatures and low humidity of these areas. This plant tolerates a wide range of temperatures, but grows best in daytime temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, the plant can handle temperatures that dip below freezing, but may require protection from frost.
Soil Requirements
Coryphantha cornifera var. echinus prefers well-draining, sandy soils with low to moderate fertility. This plant is adapted to dry conditions and cannot tolerate soils that are excessively moist or waterlogged. A pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 is ideal for healthy growth. Adding organic matter like compost to the soil can improve its fertility and water-holding capacity.
Cultivation
Coryphantha cornifera (DC.) Lem. var. echinus (Engelm.) L. Benson is a cactus species that requires full sunlight to grow. It is ideal to plant the cactus in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic and have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Coryphantha cornifera (DC.) Lem. var. echinus (Engelm.) L. Benson can be planted in a pot or directly in the ground, depending on your preference.
Watering Needs
Coryphantha cornifera (DC.) Lem. var. echinus (Engelm.) L. Benson is a drought-resistant cactus species and requires minimal watering. Water the plant sparingly during the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall. Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering. During the dormant period in winter, watering should be reduced significantly to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Coryphantha cornifera (DC.) Lem. var. echinus (Engelm.) L. Benson does not require regular fertilization. If you want to fertilize the cactus, do so sparingly during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply the fertilizer once every two to three months. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant period in winter.
Pruning
Coryphantha cornifera (DC.) Lem. var. echinus (Engelm.) L. Benson does not require pruning, and it is best to avoid cutting the cactus unless absolutely necessary. If you need to prune the cactus, use a sharp, sterile blade and avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time. Cut at an angle to avoid water pooling on the wound, which can lead to fungal infections. Allow the cut to dry out for a few days before replanting or repotting.
Propagation of Coryphantha cornifera var. echinus
Coryphantha cornifera var. echinus (commonly known as the horn cactus) is a slow-growing, small-sized cactus species that is endemic to the southwestern United States. It is prized by collectors for its attractive spines and showy blooms.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Coryphantha cornifera var. echinus and can be easily collected from the ripe fruit. After harvesting, the seeds should be cleaned and dried before planting. It is best to plant the seeds in a well-draining, sandy soil mix, preferably in a nursery tray. To improve germination rates, the seeds can be stratified in the refrigerator for a few weeks before planting. It is essential to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which can take up to several months.
Propagation by Cuttings
Coryphantha cornifera var. echinus can also be propagated by stem cuttings. It is best to take cuttings during the plant's active growth period in the spring or summer. Choose a healthy stem and make a clean cut with a sharp, sterile knife. Afterward, let the cutting dry and callous over for a few days before planting in a well-draining, sandy soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the cutting begins to root, which can take up to several months.
Propagation by Offsets
Some specimens of Coryphantha cornifera var. echinus produce offsets that can be separated from the parent plant and planted elsewhere. The offsets should be removed carefully to avoid damaging their roots and allowed to callous over for a few days before planting in a well-draining, sandy soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the offsets begin to root, which usually takes a few months.
Regardless of the method used, it is crucial to protect the newly propagated plants from direct sunlight and harsh weather conditions until they are established and can tolerate these stressful conditions.
Disease Management
Coryphantha cornifera var. echinus is generally a hardy plant and is not prone to many diseases. However, some common diseases that may affect the plant include:
- Soft Rot: This is a bacterial disease that causes the plant to rot from the base. It can be prevented by ensuring adequate drainage and avoiding overwatering. If the plant is infected, remove the infected parts and treat the remaining parts with a fungicide.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the plant's leaves. It can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and promoting good air circulation around the plant. If the plant is infected, remove the infected parts and treat the remaining parts with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure the plant is planted in well-draining soil. If the plant is infected, remove the affected parts and treat the remaining parts with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Coryphantha cornifera var. echinus is generally not prone to pest infestations. However, some common pests that may attack the plant include:
- Scale insects: These pests suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage infestations, you can prune off heavily infected parts or treat the plant with an insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These pests cause damage by sucking plant sap and causing leaves to yellow and wilt. You can manage spider mite infestations by ensuring adequate humidity around the plant and treating the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Snails and slugs: These pests can chew on the plant, causing irreparable damage. You can prevent snails and slugs by keeping the growing area free of debris and placing copper strips around the plant. Alternatively, you can use organic pesticides such as diatomaceous earth to control the pest population.
