Obregonia denegrii – Artichoke Cactus

Obregonia denegrii – Artichoke Cactus

You will receive this exact, large specimen!!
Measures 5” wide.  This is the larger size.
Roots as shown.
Showcased here in one-of-a-kind handmade pottery (sold separately).
Will be shipped bare root.

Obregonia denegrii, also known as the artichoke cactus, is a unique and sought-after species of cactus renowned for its distinctive appearance resembling an inverted pine cone or an artichoke. It is the sole representative of its genus.

Key Characteristics:

·         Appearance: The stem is solitary, typically growing level with the ground with a sunken and woolly apex. It is grayish-green to dark green and can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The stem is covered in triangular tubercles arranged in a spiral, giving it the artichoke-like appearance.

·         Spines: Small areoles at the tips of the tubercles bear 2-4 whitish to brown spines, 5-15 mm long, that are soft, flexible, and tend to shed rapidly.

·         Flowers: Funnel-shaped, diurnal, and white (sometimes with a hint of pink). They emerge in the summer from the woolly center of the stem and reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.

·         Growth: Obregonia denegrii is a slow-growing cactus.

·         Habitat and Range: This species is native to a small region of Tamaulipas, Mexico, thriving in semi-desert environments, particularly in limestone soil with gravel and stones. It is considered endangered due to habitat loss and overcollection. 

Cultivation

Obregonia denegrii can be challenging to cultivate but can grow relatively fast with proper care. 

·         Soil: Requires well-draining soil with a low organic matter content.

·         Light: Prefers light shade or morning sun with afternoon shade.

·         Watering: Water sparingly from March to October, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering in the fall and cease completely in the winter. Be mindful of overwatering, as the plant is susceptible to rot.

·         Temperature: Tolerates temperatures between 5-30°C and can withstand short periods below freezing (around -4°C or 25°F), provided the soil is kept very dry.

·         Propagation: Primarily propagated from seeds, though they are tiny and slow to germinate. Grafting seedlings onto columnar cacti can accelerate growth.

·         Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years, preferably in the spring, to refresh the soil and ensure adequate drainage.