{"title":"Cactaceae","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"ariocarpus-agavaoides","title":"Ariocarpus agavaoides","description":"\u003cp\u003eAmong Ariocarpus, agavoides is often the youngest to reach blooming age, producing its first flowers while plants of other species are still years away from doing so. Some growers suggest it may be shorter lived than its relatives, but it can still survive for decades with good care. The thinner tubercles pointed upright give it a more agave-like look than other members of the genus, hence the name. Like all Ariocarpus, it blooms in the fall and the flowers are large and showy for the plant’s size, often obscuring it entirely. We offer hard-grown specimen-sized plants from our own seed. You will recieve the plant pictured.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50635100913944,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/agavoides3_8bdb0ede-ca6f-484c-962f-bdf2504a1376.png?v=1759986658"},{"product_id":"astrophytum-caput-medusae","title":"Astrophytum caput-medusae","description":"\u003cp\u003eAn anomaly within its genus and the cactus family in general, Astrophytum caput-medusae abandons the usual globular form of \"Astros\" for a cluster of thin stems emerging upright from a single caudex-like base, each ending in a small areole capped with a tuft of wool and a few spines. In cultivation it has been crossed into some unexpected hybrids that push it even further into the realm of peculiarity. It is most often sold grafted for speed or as a freshly cut degraft, but our plants are seed-grown on their own roots and raised slowly. They are painfully slow this way, but the plants end up being more resilient and drought adapted.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50635100979480,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/astrophytumcaputmedusae_686f93f2-0954-49d7-a4d1-6c094bc09443.png?v=1759986719"},{"product_id":"eulychnia-castenea","title":"Eulychnia castenea f. varispiralis small","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlong the coast of the Atacama Desert, Eulychnia castanea grows alongside some of Chile’s better-known cacti like Copiapoa, surviving on little more than a rain event every few years and the thick daily fog known locally as the camanchaca. Before dissipating midday, this fog can be dense enough to saturate the upper layer of the acidic granite substrate, providing just enough moisture for growth. In nature, this species differs from its more upright relatives and is sprawling in habit, sending out long, drooping stems armed with golden spines that often weave between the grey boulders, forming an impenetrable thicket. The plants offered here are the spiral form, a novel and naturally occurring mutation in which each segment swells into a distinct ring, at times stacking neatly and at others winding upward in a tight twist. This form has been in cultivation for years, but never common and never losing its appeal. One reason for that may be the time it takes to mature, visible in the corking and scars of older plants which show their many seasons of slow growth. You will recieve the plant pictured.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50635105501464,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/Eulychnia1_65aa5cbc-c60b-467d-bc1a-4ec296261d72.png?v=1759977491"},{"product_id":"eulychnia-castenea-spiralis","title":"Eulychnia castenea f. varispiralis large","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlong the coast of the Atacama Desert, Eulychnia castanea grows alongside some of Chile’s better-known cacti like Copiapoa, surviving on little more than a rain event every few years and the thick daily fog known locally as the camanchaca. Before dissipating midday, this fog can be dense enough to saturate the upper layer of the acidic granite substrate, providing just enough moisture for growth. In nature, this species differs from its more upright relatives and is sprawling in habit, sending out long, drooping stems armed with golden spines that often weave between the grey boulders, forming an impenetrable thicket. The plants offered here are the spiral form, a novel and naturally occurring mutation in which each segment swells into a distinct ring, at times stacking neatly and at others winding upward in a tight twist. This form has been in cultivation for years, but never common and never losing its appeal. One reason for that may be the time it takes to mature, visible in the corking and scars of older plants which show their many seasons of slow growth. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50635105534232,"sku":null,"price":80.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/eulychnia2_c7fa0323-573b-4da9-af1f-2df12194828b.png?v=1760469923"},{"product_id":"pilosocereus-bradei","title":"Pilosocereus bradei","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the botanically rich but still poorly explored rocky outcrops of Minas Gerais, this blue columnar cactus grows among collector favorites like Uebelmannia and Discocactus, enduring punishing sun and scarce rainfall. Pilosocereus bradei, like many of its relatives, remains rare in cultivation due to slow growth, but is widely recognized and frequently requested for obvious reasons. Few plants are truly blue, the color itself often being considered the rarest in nature. Of those, even fewer achieve it as perfectly as columnar cacti like Pilosocereus, with long, clean stems that can reach tree-like proportions, every surface photosynthetic and capable of the kind of saturated pigmentation more often seen in foliage. If the cactus itself isn’t blue enough for you, the fruits almost certainly will be, ripening to a cyan so vivid it could only be compared to the color of a melted blue popsicle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50635112775960,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/Pilosocereus_bradei_db150720-b47e-4f9f-b125-b64a46eb5dae.png?v=1759978633"},{"product_id":"stenocereus-beneckii-long-spine","title":"Stenocereus beneckei","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis longer-spined version of the highly sought after Stenocereus beneckei is less appreciated by collectors than the “inermis,” or spineless(ish) version, but we find it holds much of the same appeal, with the contrasting black spines set against a white epidermis. The powdery coating intensifies with careful watering that avoids the new growth, but at nursery scale we prioritize making this species more widely available at the cost of that extra attention. It is quite possible that this spined form is less common than the spineless one, a trait that shows plenty of variability in nature but has been favored in cultivation for at least the past decade. Care is the same either way, whether delicately bottom watered or splashed overhead, and the plants are capable of taking full sun even in inland Northern California.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50635114774808,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/Stenocereus_beneckei_long_spine_form_32334769-d93d-47bb-ad90-17626a33dd96.png?v=1759979118"},{"product_id":"stenocereus-beneckii-inermis","title":"Stenocereus beneckei inermis","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is one of the most alluring species for beginner collectors, standing out thanks to a powdery white coating that makes the epidermis appear almost pure white when kept dry. Unfortunately, our nursery-scale cultivation doesn’t allow for the careful watering needed to preserve this delicate farina, so the pristine look is best achieved with a watchful eye and a more modest collection. Native to Mexico, this spineless form is among the most popular and shows off the dense white covering that makes the species so distinctive. Large specimens are rarely seen in cultivation, as demand leads to frequent cutting, and in any case older plants tend to sprawl, often flopping over in the wild as well.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50635114840344,"sku":null,"price":65.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/stenocereusbeneckiiineermis_deb08153-a037-4b8e-bbd7-eb5881b89830.png?v=1759979125"},{"product_id":"trichocereus-brevispinulosus","title":"Trichocereus brevispinulosus","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis plant’s exact lineage is uncertain, and we haven’t found a definitive description. It seems likely to be an older nursery-produced cultivar, especially given that breeding with Trichocereus, and even more extensively with the close relative Echinopsis, has been underway since at least the 1930s with figures like Bob Schick. Whatever its background, this is a reliable and enduring columnar that has proven hardy outdoors for us, even with light frosts. As the name suggests, the spines are shorter and more subdued than most similar columnars, but they sit on pronounced areoles that give the stout stems a distinct “corn cob” appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50635115135256,"sku":null,"price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/Trichocereus_brevispinulosus_ccb5374b-89e8-4bdd-a2c9-5ceb2be2bf53.png?v=1759979184"},{"product_id":"trichocereus-bridgesii","title":"Trichocereus bridgesii","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the high valleys of northern Bolivia, Trichocereus bridgesii is one of the more storied members of the genus, with a long history of ethnomedicinal use in its native range. Growing at elevations above 12,000 feet, it adapts well to the temperate climate of California, where it occasionally appears in landscapes, though far less often than its relative T. pachanoi. These charismatic columnars have inspired legions of devoted growers who collect nothing else, obsessing over subtle differences and named cultivars. \u003cspan\u003eThis clone was discovered as an old stand growing near a  California university campus by one of our horticulturalists during their undergrad. It sports a waxy blue hue and large yellow spines that turn grey as they mature.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50635115200792,"sku":null,"price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/trichocereus_bridgesii_c2081530-bf34-433a-868e-65aa6fff8814.png?v=1759979191"},{"product_id":"turbinicarpus-valdezianus","title":"Turbinicarpus valdezianus (purple flower form)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis species is one of the slower members of this famously slow-growing genus, remaining miniature and only forming multiple heads after many years (often decades). Despite that, these cacti are actually easy from seed and reliably flower as young plants, sometimes as early as the first year. T. valdezianus stands apart in the genus for its compact plumose (feathery) spines that cover the plant and obscure any touch of green, resembling many Mammillaria relatives except decidedly cuter. This adaptation to camoflauge itself amongst limestone rocks protects the plant all year, until the conspicuous bright magenta flowers larger than the plant itself send an enthusiastic signal to nearby pollinators.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50635115299096,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/turbvaldezianusflower_a280408d-7264-46b8-83da-2c1cb0116a83.png?v=1780531414"},{"product_id":"ariocarpus-kotschoubeyanus","title":"Ariocarpus kotschoubeyanus var. macdowellii","description":"\u003cp\u003eAriocarpus kotschoubeyanus is one of our favorite species in this very popular genus. This cryptic cactus looks unlike anything else in the plant kingdom with its flat habit and tiny triangular tubercles, slightly overlapping and each adorned with a wool-filled groove. In the fall, flowers that range from pastel pink to neon magenta seemingly emerge from nowhere, large enough to obscure the entire cactus for the short window they’re open. Some months later, seeds emerge from deep within the wooly apex, requiring some effort for the human pollinator to retrieve the fruits of their labor. It’s not uncommon for the roots of these plants to exceed the size of the above-ground cactus to an almost humorous extent, and our plants are no exception. Still, we recommend resisting the temptation to expose it like a caudex if you want to get the best growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seedlings on offer are the rare kotschoubeyanus var. macdowellii which grow in the northernmost part of the species' range. They have slightly smaller tubercles and paler flowers than other varities. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51954370642200,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/ariokots.png?v=1776321367"},{"product_id":"parodia-occulta","title":"Parodia occulta","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis vastly underrated species has a lot of the trappings associated with the most coveted collector cacti, being a geophyte with short spines, a particularly fuzzy apex, and slow-as-nails growth pace. Unfortunately, this one seems to have slipped through the cracks, probably due to its placement within a genus of mostly generic-looking cacti (sorry Parodia). To make up for that, Parodia occulta was given not just one, but two cool epithets to describe its underground-dwelling habit, being also occasionally offered as Parodia subterranea. We’ve found this species to have a surprising amount of variability, with different individuals from the same seed batch almost looking like completely different species. The sale plants are all selected for their exceptional form.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51954370806040,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/parodiaocculta.png?v=1776321366"},{"product_id":"notocactus-buinningii","title":"Notocactus buinningii","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis underrated cactus is switched between Notocactus and Parodia, but is one of the finest representatives of either genus. The plant stays compact, with new growth that emerges a glaucous blue, stressing to an attractive greenish-yellow with intense sun or drought. Notocactus buinningii is surprisingly capable of handling both given its relatively tropical origin of the Brazil-Uruguay border. Photos of this species in nature show mature plants clinging to tight fissures in rocks, but still surrounded by dense grasses. Regardless, it is a fairly forgiving species and requires no more water than species from regions where it rains a few times a year. The floral display of this species is especially striking, with large yellow blooms that exceed the size of the plant.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51954370904344,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/notocactusbuningii.png?v=1776321366"},{"product_id":"pygmaeocereus-bieblii","title":"Pygmaeocereus bieblii","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs one may infer from the name, Pygmaeocereus are the smallest of the Cereus cacti, a group of plants known for their towering columnar habit. P. bieblii is native to cactus-rich region of Peru, where it embeds itself underground and only emerges after intense rainfall.  This species is arguably the most iconic out of the three members in this genus. The compact geophytic habit is reminiscent of popular Mexican cacti like Turbinicarpus and has similarly unusual spines, in this case short, thick, and slightly flexible as they recurve to hug the pronounced tubercles. As far as miniature geophytes go, this species is relatively quick and easy to grow, making it a fine entry for beginners to rare cacti. Even seasoned growers can appreciate its willingness to flower and the subtle variability in spination, making it a fine candidate for selective breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51954370937112,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/pygmaeocereusbieblii.png?v=1776321367"},{"product_id":"gymnocactus-ysabelae","title":"Gymnocactus ysabelae","description":"\u003cp\u003eFormerly known as Turbinicarpus ysabelae, this species probably benefited from the name recognition of its former genus rather than the relatively obscure Gymnocactus. Regardless, this dwarf geophyte has all the same charm, but with a spinier covering and larger-growing form. The taxonomy of this genus, and its relation to similar genera like Ariocarpus and Aztekium, is hotly debated. A recent molecular study put those genera closer to the true Turbinicarpus, while Gymnocactus like the species on offer are probably further towards Thelocactus and Mammillaria on that spectrum. The flowers, however, are indistinguishable from some “Turbs”, so some collectors still place this within that genus.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51954370969880,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/gmynocactusysabele.png?v=1776321337"},{"product_id":"frailea-densispina","title":"Frailea densispina","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrailea is one of the cactus genera that we are always surprised hasn’t joined the ranks of other valuable collector-favorites like Turbinicarpus and Copiapoa. They have all the trappings, including slow growth, being cute\/compact\/colorful, relatively rare, from an interesting region. The list goes on. Part of the reason may be their copious production of seed, making them very available when they pop up, but impossible to find when they don’t. That’s why we never turn down the chance to grow a new species, the variety of which never ceases to surprise. This fuzzy little species, sometimes offered as F. buenekeri var. densispina, is reminiscent of some Mexican cacti like Epithelantha or dwarf Mammillaria, but grows near the village of Vila Nova do Sul in the southernmost part of Brazil near the Uruguay border. Like other members of the genus, it boldly announces its imminent flowers in the form of relatively massive fuzzy buds that emerge spontaneously from the crown, engulfing the cactus as it unfolds to a yellow bloom that pollinators find irresistible.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51954371035416,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/fraileadensispina.png?v=1776321366"},{"product_id":"sulcorebutia-rauschii-violacidermis","title":"Sulcorebutia rauschii \"violacidermis\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis charismatic cactus is one of the best entry points to new collectors who are always impressed with the strikingly vivid purple coloration. Thankfully, it’s as easy to grow as it is good-looking, bearing little challenge beyond the usual overwatering one should be wary of when growing any cacti. It’s not uncommon to see large multiheaded specimens in old collections, usually with stories behind them that make them just as cherished as the “rarer” plants in the greenhouse. When grown well, the caespitose (multi-headed) growth is tightly compacted and the saturation is only accentuated, creating a dramatic contrast between the violet epidermis for which it’s named and the black pectinate spines that give even the green form of this species a Halloween decoration-like spooky charm. From the southern highlands of Bolivia where it gets both cool and warm rains.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51954371199256,"sku":null,"price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/sulcorebutia.png?v=1776321349"},{"product_id":"turbinicarpus-krainzianus-v-minimus","title":"Turbinicarpus krainzianus v. minimus","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs you might have guessed by the variety name “minimus”, T. krainzianus v. minimus is likely the smallest member of this charismatic genus that’s really caught on with collectors in recent years. Even mature plants of this species have a Lilliputian charm, with miniature heads that may be numerous but never grow larger than an inch or two. Curiously, mature examples of this variety only loosely resemble the species it’s related to. Instead, they continue to look much closer to young seedlings or offsets of it, only elongated and a prolific pupper. The flowers remain the size of its larger-growing relative, dwarfing the individual heads while they open for a few days out of the year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51965001236760,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/turbminimus_f9b495a6-2b0a-461d-86d0-1806c1fe4d8b.png?v=1776464302"},{"product_id":"astrophytum-asterias","title":"Astrophytum asterias","description":"\u003cp\u003eAstrophytum asterias, literally meaning “star-plant star-like,” grows naturally among the limestone soils and gravel of Starr County, Texas, and south into Nuevo León, Mexico. Habitat destruction from agriculture and development has greatly reduced wild populations of this iconic cactus, though thankfully it remains straightforward in cultivation. In habitat, A. asterias experiences intense seasonal thunderstorms during the warmer months, followed by periods of heat and drying conditions. We find this translates well to cultivation: a fast-draining mineral mix with some limestone content, bright filtered light, high temperatures, and thorough watering during active growth. We breed our plants from a wide gene pool, so each seedling develops its own character. Your A. asterias may differ somewhat from the reference photo in both bloom and phenotype.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52136545714456,"sku":null,"price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/astrophytumasterias.png?v=1780531444"},{"product_id":"echinocereus-rigidissimus-var-rubispinus","title":"Echinocereus rigidissimus var. rubispinus","description":"\u003cp\u003eEchinocereus rigidissimus var. rubispinus, known commonly as the Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus, is a showy, pink-spined variety of E. rigidissimus. Distributed widely on south-facing, rocky slopes from Mexican Sonora to Arizona and New Mexico in the U.S., this cactus grows naturally at an elevation of about 1500 m above sea level. As a result of this extremely high exposure in its natural range, this cactus requires bright light in order to make its hallmark pink spines. It also happens to be a prolific bloomer, flowering often through summer with vibrant purple-pink flowers (if it wasn’t already colorful enough for you). This cactus is an essential for enthusiasts and beginner collectors alike. As long as it is kept dry in winter, given plenty of direct light, and planted in neutral to slightly acidic media, this plant will serve as a prismatic eye-catcher for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52136545812760,"sku":null,"price":9.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/echinocereusrigidimusvrubrispina.png?v=1780531446"},{"product_id":"epithelantha-micromeris","title":"Epithelantha micromeris","description":"\u003cp\u003eEpithelantha micromeris is a miniature globose cactus native to high-altitude regions of Arizona, New Mexico, and the Mexican state of Chihuahua. This cactus owes its most striking feature, a dense shroud of tiny white spines, to its highly exposed habitat. Thriving in crevices of calcareous stone 500 to 1800 m above sea level, this cactus experiences high levels of shortwave (UV) irradiance during the day and frigid nights. Even though most people associate cacti with punishing desert sun, excessive light can quickly burn plant tissue. A common adaptation among cacti in high-light environments is a layer of trichomes or dense spines, which block the lion's share of light. While it sounds ridiculous to stop light from reaching photosynthetic tissue, it makes sense when you remember that photosynthesis is a water-intensive process. When water is sparse, slowing down photosynthesis is a clever adaptation. Perhaps it is this daily irradiance, along with the dry air and sparse rainfall of the region, that molded this cactus into the densely white, low-profile button we see today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52136545845528,"sku":null,"price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/Epithelantha_micromeris.png?v=1780531445"},{"product_id":"carnegiea-gigantea","title":"Carnegiea gigantea","description":"\u003cp\u003eFew plants are as emblematic of the American Southwest as Carnegiea gigantea, commonly known as the Saguaro. Towering above the Sonoran Desert of Arizona and Mexico, its silhouette has become one of the defining images of the region. The species has been the subject of countless ecological and physiological studies due to its immense size and importance to native wildlife. Unlike many deserts, the Sonoran receives substantial summer rainfall in the form of monsoonal thunderstorms. Saguaros are remarkably adapted to take advantage of these brief opportunities. At the first sign of rain, they can rapidly produce shallow fibrous roots to capture moisture before it disappears. Mature specimens are capable of absorbing astonishing quantities of water, which are then stored within the expanding accordion-like ribs of the stem for future droughts. Despite their association with harsh conditions, Saguaros are less cold tolerant than many cacti and should be protected from extended temperatures below 40°F. Fortunately, most growers will have many decades to figure them out. A fully mature specimen may live for more than 150 years and eventually exceed 60 feet in height, though your neighbors will probably be impressed long before then.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52136546074904,"sku":null,"price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/carneigiagigantaea.png?v=1780531444"},{"product_id":"gymnocalycium-ragonesei","title":"Gymnocalycium ragonesei","description":"\u003cp\u003eGymnocalycium ragonesei is a cryptic cactus, growing pancake-flat and slightly embedded in the soil surface. Even in the pampered conditions of a cactus cultivator, this discoid species is one of the few that is shy to emerge from underground and can remain perpetually compact, only forming more flattened offsets with age. It is known from the lower elevations of Argentina’s Catamarca region, where it grows near salt flats in soils with high salinity at the surface. It’s no surprise that this species makes impressively thick tuberous root systems deep underground, sometimes exceeding the volume of the visible part of the cactus several times over. Despite being slow-growing, this is one of the more forgiving miniature globular cacti in cultivation, as demonstrated by the ancient clusters frequently seen in decades-old cactus collections. Like the neighboring Copiapoa that grow just over the Chilean border along the coast of the Atacama Desert, the “Gymnos,” as they’re affectionately known, are adapted to withstand cool, wet conditions and can form a similar white powdery coating known as farina, or epicuticular wax.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52458573889816,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/gymnocalyciumragonesi.png?v=1785377075"},{"product_id":"eriosyce-crispa-var-carrizalensis","title":"Eriosyce crispa var. carrizalensis","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the coastal deserts of Chile’s Atacama region, this geophytic cactus lives mostly buried between granite rocks, with sunken purple bodies obscured by a thick crown of long grey-black spines. Despite being lesser known than the iconic Copiapoa growing nearby, Eriosyce has an even greater number of known endemic species and features a diverse range of traits that cactus collectors consider desirable. These sometimes include the deep coloration and thick black spines typical of this species and its relatives, but members of the genus are almost always cryptic and slow-growing. Their tendency toward camouflage contrasts with their surprisingly showy blooms, and this species is among the best in this regard, with bright pink and orange blooms that can be as big as the cactus itself. In cultivation, this species can become somewhat more columnar with age, and pampered individuals may grow taller, but its compact nature can be preserved through “hard growing” and exposure to a harsh environment. This species, like other inhabitants of the Atacama, is adapted to cool, wet conditions. The region is famous for being exceptionally dry but also has an unusual Mediterranean climate pattern that growers often overlook. Regardless, this species can grow all year, and we water them regularly during the warmer parts of the year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52458573988120,"sku":null,"price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/eriosycecrispavcarrizalensis.png?v=1785377047"},{"product_id":"turbinicarpus-booleanus","title":"Turbinicarpus booleanus","description":"\u003cp\u003eTurbinicarpus booleanus, considered Rapicactus booleanus by some, is from the chalky gypsum outcrops of Galeana in Nuevo León, Mexico. This species has a very unusual “ostrich neck” growth habit, forming a familiar globular head extended on a long, thin neck. In nature, this stem sometimes helps the species emerge from impossibly tight cracks in rocks. Wild plants still often resemble those in cultivation, with awkward, lanky necks that somehow carry the weight of their oversized rotund heads (a relatable predicament for some of us, unfortunately). This slow-growing species makes lovely pink flowers throughout the growing season and can form a tuberous root system underground, making its thin “neck” look even more out of proportion. As we’ve found with many other gypsophiles, this species seems to benefit from some gypsum added to the mix, which may help with the sensitivity to water often associated with these cryptic cacti.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52458574250264,"sku":null,"price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/Turbinicarpusbooleanus.png?v=1785376962"},{"product_id":"astrophytum-myriostigma","title":"Astrophytum myriostigma","description":"\u003cp\u003eAstrophytum myriostigma, commonly known as the “bishop’s cap,” is a well-known cactus that is quick to enamor newcomers with its distinctive look. The broad ribs form a neatly divided, spineless body covered in fine white flecks, giving the whole plant a soft, powdery appearance. These markings are made up of trichomes that reflect sunlight, a useful feature in the bright limestone highlands of San Luis Potosí, Coahuila, and Nuevo León, Mexico. During the summer growing season, silky yellow flowers emerge from the crown, a surprisingly delicate feature on gnarled plants adapted to look like weathered rocks.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn cultivation, give this species a highly porous mix with some limestone and water deeply during warm summer weather, allowing the pot to dry between waterings. A slightly snug pot helps the mix dry promptly and is generally preferable to giving the roots more room than they need. Start plants in bright, filtered light and gradually introduce stronger sun, which encourages the dense white covering this species is known for. Keep dry from mid-autumn through winter, particularly once daytime temperatures fall to around 55°F.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52676287660312,"sku":null,"price":14.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/astrophytummyriostigma.png?v=1789327955"},{"product_id":"astrophytum-myriostigma-hybrid","title":"Astrophytum myriostigma hybrid","description":"\u003cp\u003eAstrophytum myriostigma, commonly known as the “bishop’s cap,” is a well-known cactus that is quick to enamor newcomers with its distinctive look. The broad ribs form a neatly divided, spineless body covered in fine white flecks, giving the whole plant a soft, powdery appearance. These markings are made up of trichomes that reflect sunlight, a useful feature in the bright limestone highlands of San Luis Potosí, Coahuila, and Nuevo León, Mexico. During the summer growing season, silky yellow flowers emerge from the crown, a surprisingly delicate feature on gnarled plants adapted to look like weathered rocks.\u003cbr\u003e\nThese open pollinated hybrids contain a variety of unusual genetic influence from other Astrophytums, and each have a slightly unique character, while maintaining the closest resemblence to its A. myriostigma seed parent.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52676287725848,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/astrophytummyriostigmahybrid.png?v=1789327949"},{"product_id":"setiechinopsis-mirabilis","title":"Setiechinopsis mirabilis","description":"\u003cp\u003eSetiechinopsis mirabilis is a unique night-blooming miniature that was formerly placed in Echinopsis, but has spent roughly the past 80 years alone as the sole species of its monotypic genus. The plant itself remains preciously small while producing gigantic white flowers on a delightfully disproportionate scale. These blossoms are somewhat foul-smelling, offering a clever prank from nature to the unsuspecting sniffer accustomed to the delicate perfumes of other night-blooming cacti. The species comes from a transitional region of Argentina between the driest parts of the country and a more tropical environment, which may make it more adaptable to humid conditions where many cacti are notoriously difficult to grow.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52676287987992,"sku":null,"price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/Setiechinopsis.png?v=1789326992"},{"product_id":"escobaria-vivipara-var-borealis","title":"Escobaria vivipara var. borealis","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the dry limestone outcrops of Arizona and New Mexico, Escobaria vivipara var. borealis forms a small, heavily tuberculated body obscured by overlapping clusters of pale spines. The resemblance to Mammillaria is understandable, and the species was once included in that genus before eventually finding its way into Escobaria and now Pelecyphora. Flowering makes the distinction from Mammillaria more apparent, with broad blooms striped in pink and white opening near the growing tip instead of the familiar floral crown. The highly variable species extends from Mexico into Canada, with a correspondingly long list of varietal names that growers will encounter in older collections.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52676288053528,"sku":null,"price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/escobariaviviparavborealis_324b0b24-0df5-4a11-b9e2-a2c9594c7c41.png?v=1789327874"},{"product_id":"mammillaria-schumannii-var-globosa","title":"Mammillaria schumannii var. globosa","description":"\u003cp\u003eMammillaria schumannii var. globosa is a very underrated dwarf globose Mexican cactus, a category so rich in charismatic plants that it only sounds overly specific to non-collectors. While the equally striking chalky-green Ortegocactus and Neolloydia receive more appreciation, M. schumannii and schumannii v. globosa are understandably overlooked. They belong, after all, to the overwhelmingly large genus Mammillaria, so often associated with the common, fast-clumping cacti that periodically flood home improvement store succulent aisles. Had this celadon-toned cactus been placed in its own monotypic genus, as so many of its relatives have, it would likely top every new collector’s wish list. However, the characteristic ring of flowers encircling its upper body betrays it unmistakably as a Mammillaria.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52676288086296,"sku":null,"price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/Mammillariaschumanniivar.globosa.png?v=1789327868"},{"product_id":"frailea-castanea","title":"Frailea castanea","description":"\u003cp\u003ePerhaps the best-known representative of this genus full of charming miniatures, Frailea castanea has a very distinctive appearance. Tiny dark spines line each narrow rib in tight rows, giving the deep-red, disc-shaped cactus an armored surface reminiscent of an insect’s exoskeleton. It is also one of those popular species that grows very slowly, showcasing its age and battle scars with the time-worn quality of a patinated antique. Like many cryptic miniature cacti, its diminutive size and coloration provide remarkably effective camouflage. Even when one knows where to look, a plant out of flower can be nearly impossible to spot, typically sitting partially buried among iron-rich sandstone fragments that closely match its red-brown body. This Brazilian species occurs between the towns of Quaraí and Alegrete, where it grows alongside several other elusive members of the genus and various resurrection ferns.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52676288119064,"sku":null,"price":18.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/fraileacastenaea_a0f18a3c-e08e-4ccc-956f-f4aa026bdcc4.png?v=1789327864"},{"product_id":"myrtillocactus-geometrizans-cv-elite-crest","title":"Myrtillocactus geometrizans cv. \"Elite\" crest","description":"\u003cp\u003eMyrtillocactus geometrizans cv. Elite Crest forms undulating blue fans that fold and crowd against one another, gradually making a convoluted mass of cactus with an almost iridescent surface. The color comes from a coating of epicuticular wax, which gives the crests their distinctive glaucous appearance and emphasizes every ridge and fold. Despite its elaborate growth, this is a hardy and adaptable clone that has circulated among collectors for decades. The original species comes from the limestone and volcanic landscapes of northern and central Mexico, harsh environments shaped by intense sunlight.\u003cbr\u003e\nIn cultivation, this crest does well in a gritty mix dominated by volcanic rock, with some limestone added to buffer pH. Full sun or light shade under 30% shade cloth helps develop the heavy waxy coating, along with regular feeding during active growth. Water thoroughly once the mix has dried and daytime temperatures are consistently above 70°F. As daytime highs fall below about 55°F, keep both the roots and crested stems dry. The many folds that make this plant so appealing also deserve some attention when watering, especially during cool weather when lingering moisture can lead to rot and surface blemishes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52676288184600,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/myrtillocactusgeometrizanselite.png?v=1789326795"},{"product_id":"ortegocactus-macdougallii","title":"Ortegocactus macdougallii","description":"\u003cp\u003eOrtegocactus macdougallii is one of the more immediately recognizable Mexican cacti, with a waxy lime green body that often develops rusty orange patches under stress. Discovered in 1951, this species is known from a highly localized area of Oaxaca, where it grows along remote limestone cliffs at elevations above 6,000 feet. The surrounding rocks support colonies of orange and lime green lichens that almost exactly match the plant’s coloration, making this unusual palette surprisingly effective camouflage. The rusty patches also develop in cultivation and are a familiar feature of the species. Even its small red fruits remain largely concealed within the body after ripening, a habit known as cryptocarpy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn cultivation, give this species a gritty mix with limestone and very little organic matter, along with full to lightly filtered sunlight. Growth takes place with daytime temperatures around 70–100°F, and bright yellow flowers often announce the end of dormancy. Ease into watering as growth resumes, allowing the roots and mix to remain dry for at least a week between waterings to maintain healthy, compact plants. When daytime highs fall below about 60°F, keep it dry through winter and into spring, resuming water once warm growing conditions return.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rare Plant Catalog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52676288545048,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/files\/ortegocactus.png?v=1789326572"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0912\/1175\/9896\/collections\/tephrocactusgeometricusflower.png?v=1759010561","url":"https:\/\/rareplantcatalog.com\/collections\/family-cactaceae.oembed?page=2","provider":"Rare Plant Catalog","version":"1.0","type":"link"}