Origin
Coryphantha sulcata (Engelm.) Britt. & Rose var. nickelsiae (K. Brandeg.) L. Benson, commonly referred to as Nickels' cory cactus, is a unique cactus species native to the United States, specifically found in the Chihuahuan Desert region of southeastern Arizona and northern Mexico.
Common Names
Nickels' Cory Cactus, Coryphantha Cactus, and Sulcate Cory Cactus.
General Appearance
Nickels' cory cactus is a small-sized plant that forms beautiful, solitary, or clumping rosettes that can grow up to 10 cm tall and 10 cm wide. The plant is spherical or slightly cylindrical and develops numerous offsets at its base. The cactus has numerous fine papillae, grooves, and spines that typically grow in a radial pattern from the center of the plant. The spines are thin, long, and flat, with the outer ones resembling rosemary leaves. The flowers of this plant are pink and yellow.
Uses
The Nickels' cory cactus is mostly grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance. They are often grown in containers and displayed as indoor plants or used in rock gardens, terrariums, and dish gardens. This cactus is also grown commercially as an addition to xeriscapes or drought-tolerant landscapes as it requires minimal watering. It is not widely used for medicinal or culinary purposes.
Light Requirements
The Coryphantha sulcata (Engelm.) Britt. & Rose var. nickelsiae (K. Brandeg.) L. Benson plant requires full sunlight exposure to thrive. It grows best when exposed to direct sunlight for a minimum of eight hours daily. Inadequate light can result in the stunting of growth, weak stems, and poor flower production.
Temperature Requirements
The Coryphantha sulcata (Engelm.) Britt. & Rose var. nickelsiae (K. Brandeg.) L. Benson plant requires warm temperatures to grow optimally. It grows best in temperatures of about 70°F to 85°F (21°C to 29°C) in the day and 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 16°C) at night. When exposed to temperatures below 20°F (-7°C), the Coryphantha sulcata (Engelm.) Britt. & Rose var. nickelsiae (K. Brandeg.) L. Benson plant may die.
Soil Requirements
The Coryphantha sulcata (Engelm.) Britt. & Rose var. nickelsiae (K. Brandeg.) L. Benson plant grows best in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH level of between 6.0 and 7.5. It grows best in a soil mixture composed of sand and gravel in a 1:1 ratio. The soil has to be well-drained as waterlogging can lead to root rot and eventually death of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Coryphantha sulcata var. nickelsiae is generally easy to grow and care for, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and can thrive in sandy or rocky soil. This plant prefers partial to full sun and can tolerate high temperatures but needs some protection from extreme heat and direct sunlight.
If grown in pots, use a well-draining cactus soil mix that is sandy and has perlite or pumice mixed in. It is essential to choose a pot that is deep enough to accommodate the plant's root system and has drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.
Watering Needs
A crucial factor to consider when taking care of Coryphantha sulcata var. nickelsiae is proper watering. This plant has moderate to low watering needs and can survive in extremely dry conditions. It is crucial to allow the soil to dry out completely before watering it again to avoid root rot.
When watering, ensure that you soak the soil until water pours out from the drainage holes and then let the excess water drain out. Avoid watering the plant's body, especially during the winter months when it is dormant.
Fertilization
Coryphantha sulcata var. nickelsiae requires very minimal fertilization. During the growing season, use a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer every month or every other month, diluted to half the recommended strength, to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
Pruning
Pruning Coryphantha sulcata var. nickelsiae is not necessary, except for removing dead or diseased parts, and to reshape the plant. It is best to use sharp, sterile pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Prune during the growing season, when the plant is actively growing, to minimize stress and promote faster healing.
Propagation Methods for Coryphantha sulcata var. nickelsiae
Coryphantha sulcata var. nickelsiae is a small, slow-growing cactus species endemic to North America. This plant can be propagated by several methods, including:
1. Seeds
Seeds are the easiest and most common method of propagation for Coryphantha sulcata var. nickelsiae. Mature fruits from the plant should be harvested and allowed to dry for a few days. The seeds can be separated from the fruit pulp by rubbing them gently on a screen. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining, sandy soil mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs, which can take up to a few weeks.
2. Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Coryphantha sulcata var. nickelsiae. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. Use a sharp, sterilized blade to cut a stem section just below a node. Allow the cutting to dry for several days in a shaded, dry area. Once the cut end has callused over, plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots have formed, which can take up to several weeks.
3. Offset Division
For mature Coryphantha sulcata var. nickelsiae plants, offset division can be an effective propagation method. This can be done during the growing season by carefully separating offsets from the mother plant using a sharp, sterilized blade. Allow the offsets to dry for a day or two before planting in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil lightly moist until roots have formed, which can take up to several weeks.
Disease Management
Coryphantha sulcata var. nickelsiae is not highly susceptible to diseases, but it can be affected by fungal and bacterial infections. Prevention is key, so it's essential to keep the plant healthy and stress-free through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning. Additionally, avoid overhead watering, poor air circulation, and high humidity.
If the plant shows signs of disease, such as brown or black spots, blisters, discoloration, or wilting, it's crucial to identify the problem and take action immediately to control its spread. Depending on the disease, treatments may include removing affected parts, applying fungicides or bactericides, improving cultural practices, or using biological control agents.
Pest Management
Coryphantha sulcata var. nickelsiae can also be attacked by insects and other pests. Some of the most common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, aphids, and thrips. These pests can cause damage to the foliage, stem, and roots, leading to stunted growth, yellowing, or plant death.
Prevention is also critical in pest management. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestations, such as honeydew, webbing, or small moving insects. Use physical barriers, such as insect nets, to prevent pests from accessing the plant. Additionally, keep the surrounding area clean and free from plant debris and weeds that can attract pests.
If the plant is already infested, control measures may vary depending on the pest's type and severity of the infestation. Options may include using insecticidal soaps, oils, or chemicals, increasing natural enemies' presence, or mechanically removing the pests by hand. It's crucial to follow the label instructions and safety precautions when using pesticides to avoid harming the plant or the environment.
