Navajoa

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. State of Arizona.

Description. Navajoa is a very unusual miniature, spherical cactus that reaches only 2.5 - 6.5 cm in height. The stem is grey-green, round or ovoid. Under natural conditions, these cacti grow singly or in small groups of 3 to 5 plants and are capable of going completely underground during prolonged drought. At this time, the stem contracts completely, so much so that the plant simply resembles a lump of thorns. Navajoa often does not have ribs, but its stem bears rounded areoles, from the top of which long and very thick, curved, whitish spines protrude. In some species the spines form something like a cross. The flowers are up to 3 cm in diameter, appear at the top of the stem, are showy, and have numerous cream or yellow petals. After flowering, cacti form round fruits that turn brown when ripe.

Height. Up to 6.5 cm.

Navajoa - care at home

Temperature conditions

Likes to enjoy the summer heat, the rest period should take place at a temperature of about 10 - 12 ° C. 

Lighting

Navajoa love bright sunlight with light shade on hot summer days. In autumn and winter it should receive maximum light. Good lighting stimulates the formation of buds. 

Care

Very difficult to maintain and capricious plants that only experienced cactus growers can handle. When grown on their own roots, they are especially picky.

Substrate

The soil should easily pass water and air, pH not higher than 6.5. A mixture of leaf humus, turf soil with a large amount of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. You can use a ready-made substrate for cacti and succulents.

Feeding

Feed monthly with fertilizers for cacti and succulents high in potassium, calcium and phosphorus. The fertilizer is diluted to half the recommended dose and applied in spring and summer. During the dormant period, cacti are not fed.

Purpose

Rarely found in cultivation and valued by lovers of rare plants. The miniature size allows you to place the entire collection on a small windowsill. Often grafted onto more resistant rootstocks.

Flowering time

Spring.

Air humidity

Navajoa requires good air movement without cold drafts. It does not require spraying; during the rest period, the air in the room should be especially dry. 

Soil moisture

Water until the soil is completely saturated, but dry it to at least half the depth before each subsequent watering. In winter, keep watering to a minimum; navajoa will need watering if its stem begins to shrink. 

Transfer

Replant as needed, approximately every 2 to 3 years. The delicate root system of navajoa does not like frequent replanting. After planting, stop watering for 7 - 10 days. Use appropriately sized pots with large drainage holes, as too much soil retains water and causes cacti to rot.

Reproduction

Seeds or grafting. Seeds germinate with difficulty and very slowly.

Pests and diseases

Root rot at the slightest excess of moisture or poor drainage.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

Adult plants can die very quickly with the slightest mistakes in care.