Origin
Coryphantha macromeris (Engelm.) Lem. var. runyonii (Britt. & Rose) L. Benson is a cactus species that is native to southwestern North America, specifically in the United States and Mexico. The plant is found in Sonora, Chihuahua, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico.
Common Names
The plant has various common names, including Runyon's Cory Cactus, Runyon's Mexican Cory, and Runyon's Pincushion. It is also sometimes referred to as the toothpick cactus due to the thin spines that cover its body.
Uses
While the Coryphantha macromeris (Engelm.) Lem. var. runyonii (Britt. & Rose) L. Benson has no significant medicinal uses, it is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. The plant is suitable for landscaping since it is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and requires minimal maintenance. Additionally, the cactus is a perfect plant for rock gardens, and its attractive flowers make it a popular choice for garden enthusiasts.
General Appearance
Coryphantha macromeris (Engelm.) Lem. var. runyonii (Britt. & Rose) L. Benson is a small, spherical cactus that grows up to 10 cm in height and 12 cm in diameter. It has elongated, conical tubercles that give it a rough, textured appearance. The cactus has several thin spines that are usually brown or black in color and grow up to 3 cm long. The plant's body is usually light green to gray-green, although colors may vary depending on growing conditions.
The Coryphantha macromeris (Engelm.) Lem. var. runyonii (Britt. & Rose) L. Benson produces stunning, yellow to orange flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer. These flowers are about 3 cm in diameter and have yellow centers. The plant also produces edible fruits that resemble small berries, which the Native Americans traditionally used to make a sweet juice.
Light Requirements
Coryphantha macromeris var. runyonii prefers full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. In natural habitats, this plant grows in open areas with abundant sunlight exposure. Therefore, it is essential to provide sufficient sunlight for healthy growth, but it can tolerate some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Coryphantha macromeris var. runyonii is between 50°F to 85°F (10°C to 29°C). This plant can tolerate extreme heat and cold temperatures, but it is best to avoid exposing it to extreme temperature fluctuations. During the dormant period, the plant can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C).
Soil Requirements
Coryphantha macromeris var. runyonii needs well-drained soil that is sandy or gravelly. This plant can grow in rocky, limestone, or clay soil, as long as it has sufficient drainage. Soil pH should be neutral or slightly alkaline. To improve soil drainage, add pebbles or coarse sand, and avoid heavy clay soil. This plant is drought-tolerant, so avoid overwatering the soil.
Guidance on Cultivating Coryphantha Macromeris (Engelm.) Lem. Var. Runyonii (Britt. & Rose) L. Benson
Coryphantha macromeris (Engelm.) Lem. var. runyonii (Britt. & Rose) L. Benson is a small cactus native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Here's a guide to cultivating and caring for this plant:
Fertilization
Coryphantha macromeris (Engelm.) Lem. var. runyonii (Britt. & Rose) L. Benson doesn't need fertilizer if it's planted in rich soil. However, if it's grown in pots or a poor soil, feeding with a cactus fertilizer in the growing season (spring to autumn) can help. Always dilute the fertilizer to half-strength when feeding.
Watering Needs
Coryphantha macromeris (Engelm.) Lem. var. runyonii (Britt. & Rose) L. Benson is drought-tolerant and needs less water than most cacti. Water it only when the soil is dry to the touch about 1 inch deep. When watering, water the soil around the base of the plant rather than wetting the leaves or stem. During the winter, reduce watering to once a month.
Cultivation Methods
Coryphantha macromeris (Engelm.) Lem. var. runyonii (Britt. & Rose) L. Benson is easy to grow and requires minimal care. Here are some general cultivation guidelines:
- The plant prefers well-draining soil with adequate drainage holes for excess water to drain away.
- Place the plant in a sunny spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
- The plant prefers a warm, dry environment with temperatures between 60°F and 90°F.
- When planting, put the plant and its root ball into the soil and backfill with more soil, then pack the soil gently to eliminate air pockets around the roots.
- Propagate the plant through offsets that grow from the base of the plant. Remove them gently and plant with well-draining soil.
Pruning
Coryphantha macromeris (Engelm.) Lem. var. runyonii (Britt. & Rose) L. Benson generally doesn't require pruning since it grows slowly and maintains a compact form. However, if parts of the plant become diseased or damaged, they should be removed. Use a sharp, sterile knife to make the cut and apply a fungicide to the wound if needed.
Propagation of Coryphantha macromeris (Engelm.) Lem. var. runyonii (Britt. & Rose) L. Benson
Coryphantha macromeris (Engelm.) Lem. var. runyonii (Britt. & Rose) L. Benson is a small cactus species that grows in clusters. Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods such as seeds, offsets, and stem cuttings.
Seeds
Seeds are the primary method of propagation for Coryphantha macromeris var. runyonii. The seeds should be sown on well-draining soil and kept moist until germination. It is recommended to use a soil mix that has a high content of sand, perlite or gravel. The ideal temperature for germination is between 20-25°C. The seeds will usually germinate within two weeks to one month.
Offsets
Offsets or clones are small plantlets that grow from the base of the mother plant. When the offsets are large enough to be separated from the mother plant, they can be gently removed and planted in well-draining soil. It is important to let the offset dry for a day or two before planting to prevent rotting. The newly planted offset should be kept in a shaded area with no direct sunlight until it establishes itself.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are also possible for propagating Coryphantha macromeris var. runyonii. Cut a section of the stem with a sharp, sterile knife. Let the cutting dry for a day or two before planting it horizontally in a mixture of sand and well-draining soil. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not saturated. After a few months, the stem cutting should develop roots and should be treated like a mature plant.
Disease Management
Coryphantha macromeris (Engelm.) Lem. var. runyonii (Britt. & Rose) L. Benson is generally a hardy plant that doesn't suffer from many diseases if it's grown in well-draining soils and receives adequate watering and sunlight. However, occasionally, it can be affected by fungal and bacterial infections that typically arise when the plant is exposed to poorly-drained soils or over-watering.
One of the most common fungal infections that Coryphantha macromeris can get is root rot, caused by over-watering, especially during the dormant period. To avoid root rot, growers should water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch and ensure the pot has good drainage to avoid waterlogging. If the root rot symptoms are visible, growers should remove the affected plant parts and repot the plant in well-draining soil, keeping the soil slightly moist until the roots recover.
Bacterial infections can cause dark, sunken spots on the plant's stem and leaves, which can be a sign of an underlying issue, such as overwatering, injury or pest infestation. Infected plants need to remove affected parts and discard them, to prevent spreading bacteria.
Pest Management
Coryphantha macromeris plants are also susceptible to pest infestations, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests will suck sap from the plant's leaves and stems, reducing its vigor and causing wilting.
Spider mites are tiny spider-like pests that are difficult to see with the naked eye but can cause considerable damage to the plant. Growers can control spider mites by spraying the plants with neem oil insecticide, insecticidal soap, or a mixture of water and alcohol. These solutions can help to remove spider mites and prevent their recurrence, but growers should avoid excessively spraying their plants to prevent stressing the plant further.
Mealybugs are common pests that can appear as small, cotton-like puffs on the plant's stem and leaves. To control mealybugs, growers should use cotton swabs or soft brushes to remove and discard the pests. Neem oil insecticide, insecticidal soap, or a mixture of alcohol and water can also be used.
Scale insects are small, round pests that attach to the plant's leaves and stems, causing them to become yellow and wilted. Growers should use a toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the scale insects and should repeat the process until all pests are gone. Additionally, growers should monitor their plants regularly to prevent pest recurrence, as early detection is key to effective pest management.
