17 Types Of Popular Discocactus Pictorial Guide

Discocactus is a genus of cactus native to South America, known for its striking appearance and unique features. The name “Discocactus” comes from the Greek words “diskos,” meaning “disk,” and “kaktos,” meaning “cactus,” referring to the circular shape of its stem.

The Discocactus is a small cactus that can reach a height of 8 inches and a diameter of 4 inches. It has a round or flattened stem that is covered in spines and woolly areoles. The spines are usually short and curved, and the areoles produce flowers and fruit.

One of the most remarkable features of the Discocactus is its flowers. They are large, showy, and colorful, with shades of pink, purple, red, and yellow. The flowers emerge from the areoles in a circular pattern and can be up to 3 inches in diameter. They usually open at night and last for only one day.

Another notable feature of the Discocactus is its fruit. The fruit is a small, round, and edible berry that is often used to make jam or jelly. The fruit is sweet and juicy, with a flavor similar to strawberries.

The Discocactus is native to the arid regions of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It grows in rocky, sandy soil and is adapted to withstand periods of drought. It is a slow-growing plant that takes several years to mature.

In recent years, the Discocactus has become increasingly popular among collectors of rare and exotic plants. However, due to habitat loss and over-collection, some species of Discocactus are now endangered. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed several species as vulnerable or endangered, and there are ongoing efforts to conserve and protect these plants.

In conclusion, the Discocactus is a fascinating and unique plant, known for its circular shape, colorful flowers, and edible fruit. While it is prized by collectors, it is important to remember the importance of conservation and protection for this and other endangered species.

Here are the 17 Types Of Popular Discocactus Pictorial Guide:

Discocactus Bahiensis

Discocactus Bahiensis is a species of small, spherical cactus native to Brazil. It has a distinctive dark green to brownish body covered in dense, white spines and produces bright pink flowers that bloom at the top of the plant. This cactus is prized by collectors for its ornamental value but is considered vulnerable in the wild due to habitat loss and over-collection.

Discocactus Placentiformis

Discocactus Placentiformis is a species of cactus native to Brazil. It is a small, spherical cactus that typically grows up to 10 cm in diameter. The plant has distinctive ribs that are covered in clusters of white spines, and it produces beautiful pink or red flowers in the summer months. This species is rare and endangered due to habitat loss and over-collection, and it is protected by law in its native range.

Discocactus Zehntneri

Discocactus Zehntneri is a species of cactus that is native to Brazil. It has a flattened, disc-shaped stem and produces vibrant pink flowers. It is a small and slow-growing plant that is highly valued by collectors for its unique appearance and colorful blooms. However, it is also listed as endangered due to habitat loss and overcollection from the wild.

Discocactus Horstii

Discocactus Horstii is a species of small, globular cactus native to Brazil. It has a distinctive greenish-gray body with white, needle-like spines and produces large, pink flowers that bloom in the summer. This cactus is highly prized by collectors for its unique appearance and relative rarity in the wild. It is also known as the “Horst’s disc cactus.”

Discocactus Heptacanthus

Discocactus Heptacanthus is a species of cactus native to Brazil. It is a small, spherical cactus with distinctive ridges and woolly areoles that produce small, spiny stems. This species typically grows in rocky, mountainous regions and is popular among cactus collectors for its unique appearance. It is considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and overcollection.

Discocactus Subviridigriseus

Discocactus Subviridigriseus is a species of cactus native to Brazil, known for its distinctive disc-shaped body and green-gray coloration. It typically grows in rocky, well-draining soils and produces showy pink or white flowers. Like many cacti, it is adapted to survive in arid conditions and is able to store water in its stem for extended periods of time. Due to habitat loss and illegal collection for the horticultural trade, Discocactus Subviridigriseus is considered endangered in the wild.

Discocactus Ferricola

Discocactus Ferricola is a rare species of cactus native to Brazil with a globular shape and dense spines covering its surface. It produces vibrant pink or red flowers that bloom at the top of the plant and requires well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. The species is considered endangered due to habitat loss and overcollection for the ornamental plant trade.

Discocactus Pseudoinsignis

Discocactus Pseudoinsignis is a small, globular cactus species native to Brazil. It typically grows up to 10 cm in height and diameter and has a bright green body with prominent ribs and spines. The plant produces large, showy flowers that are pink to magenta in color and bloom in the summer. This species is highly valued by collectors for its striking appearance and relatively rare status in the wild. However, it is also threatened by habitat loss and over-collection from the wild.

Discocactus Magnimammus

Discocactus Magnimammus is a species of cactus native to Brazil, known for its distinctive disc-shaped body and large, prominent areoles that produce vibrant pink flowers. It typically grows in rocky, arid environments and is highly valued by collectors for its unique appearance. However, like many cactus species, it is threatened by habitat loss and overcollection.

Discocactus Catingicola

Discocactus Catingicola is a species of cactus native to Brazil, specifically the state of Bahia. It has a distinctive disc-shaped stem and produces large, bright pink flowers. This species is considered endangered due to habitat loss and overcollection for the horticultural trade.

Discocactus Woutersianus

Discocactus Woutersianus is a species of cactus native to Brazil. It is a small, globular cactus with bright pink to red flowers that bloom in the summer. This species is classified as endangered due to habitat loss and overcollection for ornamental purposes.

Discocactus Tricornis

Discocactus Tricornis is a species of cactus native to Brazil, known for its distinctive shape of a flattened spherical body with three pronounced ribs and a central spine. It produces bright pink flowers in the spring and requires well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. The species is endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and overcollection for the horticultural trade.

Discocactus Fariae-Peresii

Discocactus Fariae-Peresii is a small species of cactus native to Brazil with a rounded body and numerous ribs covered in white spines. It produces bright pink flowers that bloom from the top of the plant, usually in the summer months. This species is classified as endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and illegal collection for the horticultural trade.

Discocactus Araneispinus

Discocactus Araneispinus is a species of cactus known for its striking appearance, characterized by round, flattened stems covered in white spines that resemble spider webs. This species is native to Brazil and is a popular ornamental plant among cacti enthusiasts. It requires warm, bright conditions and well-draining soil to thrive.

Discocactus Crystallophilus

Discocactus Crystallophilus is a species of small, globular cactus native to Brazil. It has a distinctive appearance, with dark green to black stems covered in dense white spines, and produces large, vibrant pink flowers. Its natural habitat is threatened due to habitat loss, and it is considered a vulnerable species.

Discocactus Hartmannii

Discocactus Hartmannii is a species of cactus known for its flattened, disc-shaped body and bright pink flowers. It is native to Brazil and is commonly grown as a houseplant or in cactus collections. Like other cacti, it prefers well-draining soil and bright, indirect light. It is a slow-growing species and can take several years to reach its mature size.

Discocactus Pulvinicapitatus

Discocactus Pulvinicapitatus is a cactus species native to Brazil. It has a rounded, flattened shape with a dense covering of white spines and small, pinkish flowers that bloom at the top. The plant typically grows to a height of 6–8 cm and is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its unique and attractive appearance.

How To Grow And Care For Discocactus

Discocactus is a genus of cacti native to South America and known for their distinctive disc-shaped bodies and beautiful flowers. Here are some tips for growing and caring for Discocactus:

Light: Discocactus prefers bright but indirect sunlight. Place your plant near a window that receives a few hours of morning or afternoon sun. Be careful not to expose your plant to direct sunlight, as this can burn its delicate skin.

Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is specifically formulated for cacti and succulents. A mix of 50% perlite and 50% potting soil is ideal for Discocactus.

Water: Discocactus is a desert plant and does not require frequent watering. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and water sparingly during the winter months when the plant is dormant.

Temperature: Discocactus prefers warm temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (16°C and 29°C). Avoid exposing your plant to temperatures below 50°F (10 °C), as this can damage the plant.

Fertilizer: Discocactus does not require much fertilizer. During the growing season, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month (spring and summer).

Repotting: Repot your Discocactus every two to three years in a slightly larger pot. During the repotting process, take care not to damage the plant’s roots.

Propagation: Discocactus can be propagated from offsets or seeds. To propagate from offsets, wait until the offsets are at least one-third the size of the parent plant and gently remove them from the parent plant. Allow the offset to dry for a few days before planting it in a new pot with well-draining soil.

With proper care and attention, your Discocactus can grow into a beautiful and healthy plant that will provide you with years of enjoyment.

How To Propagate Discocactus

Discocactus is a genus of cacti that includes several species, and propagating them can be done in different ways depending on the species. Here are some general guidelines for propagating discocactus:

Seeds: Discocactus can be propagated from seeds, which can be obtained from mature fruits. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix that is moist but not wet. Place the pot in a warm, bright location, and cover it with plastic to increase humidity. Germination can take several weeks or months.

Offsets: Some discocactus species produce offsets or pups around the base of the main plant. These can be carefully removed with a clean, sharp knife or scissors and planted in their own pots with a well-draining soil mix. Water them sparingly until they root and establish themselves.

Cuttings: Some discocactus species can be propagated from stem cuttings. Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to cut a section of the stem, and allow the cut to callus over for a few days. Then plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep it barely moist until it starts to root.

Regardless of the propagation method, it’s important to provide the young plants with proper care and environmental conditions. Keep them in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. Water them sparingly and avoid overwatering, as discocactus are susceptible to root rot. Once the plants have rooted and established themselves, they can be gradually acclimated to brighter light and less frequent watering.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Discocactus

Discocactus is a genus of cactus that includes around 60 species native to South America, particularly Brazil.
The name “discocactus” comes from the Greek words “diskos” meaning “disk” and “kaktos” meaning “cactus”, which refers to the flat, round shape of the plant’s body.
Discocactus are small, slow-growing cacti that can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter.
These cacti are known for their brightly colored flowers, which bloom at the top of the plant and can last for several days.
Discocactus species have spines that range from very short and bristle-like to long and thin and can be straight or curved.
Some Discocactus species are endangered due to habitat loss and illegal collection for the horticultural trade.
Discocactus species are adapted to grow in rocky outcrops and areas with poor soils and can withstand periods of drought.
The flowers of Discocactus are usually pollinated by insects such as bees and butterflies.
The fruit of the Discocactus is a small, berry-like structure that contains numerous seeds.
Discocactus have been popular in the horticultural trade since the mid-19th century and are often grown as ornamental plants in gardens and homes.