Origin
Neolloydia johnsonii (Parry ex Engelm.) L. Benson, commonly known as Johnson's Pincushion Cactus, is a species of cactus that is native to Arizona, United States, and Sonora, Mexico. It thrives in rocky and gravelly habitats, often on slopes and ridges, and at an elevation of up to 3,000 feet.
Common Names
Johnson's Pincushion Cactus is also known as Johnson's Fishhook Cactus, Devil's Pincushion, Devil's Tongue, and Devil's Pick.
Uses
Johnson's Pincushion Cactus is mostly cultivated for ornamental purposes. Its unique, globular shape and its small size make it a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardening. Some Native American tribes also used the plant as a traditional medicine for treating wounds and stomach ailments.
General Appearance
Johnson's Pincushion Cactus is a small, solitary cactus that grows up to 4 inches tall and up to 2 inches in diameter. The plant has a flat, circular body with tubercles that form the typical pincushion shape. The tubercles give way to thick, white radial spines that can grow up to 0.5 inches long. The plant produces clusters of beautiful, pink to lavender flowers with yellow centers during the spring and summer months.
Light Requirements
Neolloydia johnsonii (Parry ex Engelm.) L. Benson prefers bright, filtered sunlight. It is recommended to place the plant in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of indirect, bright light per day. However, direct sunlight must be avoided as it can scorch the plant and damage the spines.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Neolloydia johnsonii (Parry ex Engelm.) L. Benson is between 60-80°F (15-27°C). However, the plant can tolerate warmer temperature ranges occasionally but extended periods may damage the plant. Also, it is crucial to protect the plant from extreme cold temperatures as it can be fatal.
Soil Requirements
Neolloydia johnsonii (Parry ex Engelm.) L. Benson requires a well-draining cactus soil mix. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with pH ranging from 6.0-7.0. The soil mix should be enriched with sand, perlite, or pumice to improve drainage and reduce soil compaction.
Cultivation Methods
Neolloydia johnsonii is a cactus plant that is native to North America. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 4 inches in height and 8 inches in diameter. This plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors. When planting this cactus, use gritty soil that drains quickly. Plant in a location that receives full sun but partial shade during the hottest hours.
Watering Needs
Watering Neolloydia johnsonii requires attention to avoid overwatering. Water the plant only when the soil is completely dry. During the growing season, watering should be done once every two weeks. In winter, watering should be reduced to once a month to prevent the plant from getting too much moisture. When watering, avoid spraying water directly on the plant to prevent rotting.
Fertilization
Neolloydia johnsonii requires fertilization only during the growing season. The best fertilizer to use is a cactus or succulent fertilizer. This plant should not be over-fertilized, so use fertilizer sparingly. Fertilize once a month during the growing season to promote growth and vibrant color.
Pruning
Pruning Neolloydia johnsonii is not necessary. However, removing any dead, damaged, or diseased parts of the plant can help promote healthy growth. If the plant becomes too large, it can be divided into sections and replanted. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid stressing the plant.
Propagation of Neolloydia johnsonii
Neolloydia johnsonii is a species of cactus that can be propagated through several methods:
Seed propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Neolloydia johnsonii is through seed propagation. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes around two weeks. The soil should not be watered again until the seedlings have developed their first two true leaves. After that, the soil can be kept moderately moist. The seedlings can be transplanted once they are large enough.
Offsets division
Another way to propagate Neolloydia johnsonii is through offsets division. The plant produces small offshoots that can be carefully removed and potted individually. The soil should be kept moist until the offshoots have rooted.
Stem cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is also possible but can be challenging. The stem of the plant can be cut and left to dry for several days until the cut surface has calloused over. The cutting can then be planted in well-draining soil mixed with sand or perlite. The soil should be kept moist until the cutting has rooted.
Overall, propagation of Neolloydia johnsonii is relatively easy and can be done through different methods depending on the availability of resources and the preference of the grower.
Disease Management
Neolloydia johnsonii is a low maintenance and drought-tolerant plant but it can still be susceptible to certain diseases. Here are some common diseases that may affect this plant and ways to manage them:
- Rhizoctonia root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. To prevent this disease, avoid overwatering the plant and make sure the soil is well-draining. In case of an infestation, remove the affected plant parts and treat the soil with a fungicide.
- Bacterial soft rot: This disease is caused by bacteria and can cause the plant to wilt and turn brown. It can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and maintaining good plant hygiene. Remove the affected parts and treat with a bactericide.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungus that can cause brown spots on the plant's leaves. Prune affected parts of the plant and dispose of them carefully. Treat with a fungicide and avoid overhead watering.
Pest Management
Neolloydia johnsonii is generally not affected by pests as it has natural defenses such as sharp spines. However, here are some pests that may attack the plant and ways to manage them:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and damage to the plant's leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with water or insecticidal soap. Introducing natural predators such as ladybugs can also help control spider mites.
- Mealybugs: These pests can cause discoloration and deformation of the plant's leaves. They can be removed by wiping the plant with a cloth or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Introducing natural predators like lacewings and parasitic wasps can also help control mealybugs.
- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing and distortion of the plant's leaves. Remove them by using a soft brush dipped in alcohol. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil for effective pest management.
