Cactus Succulent – Stenocactus lamellosus

Stenocactus lamellosus shown in a 2.75” pot, will ship bare root. Formerly known as Echinofossulocactus lamellosus  is one of the many geographical form of the widespread and morphologically variable Stenocactus crispatus. Many of its morphological and geographical variant was early classified as different independent species, but nowadays all this plant are considered part of a multiform species, where each form is linked to others by populations of plants with intermediate characteristics. The name Stenocactus lamellosus is used to indicate plant crowded with very long flattened spines and many wavy ribs, but similar plants are commonly found in other populations and under other names, and to all intents and purposes it is a synonym of Stenocactus crispatus. The plants in cultivation are quite variable. This is one of the Echinofossulocactus with the prettiest spination. The stem is subglobose to sortly cylindrical, olive green, up to 8” tall, 3-4” wide. Apex usually slightly depressed. Ribs are thin, strongly flattened with very undulated or curled ridges. Areoles are roundish, remote (only 1 to 3 per ribs), woolly when young. Central spines are flattened, whitish to yellowish with brown tips, ferocious-looking with one very long (from .4 to 3 “ long) directed upwards. Radial spines  5(-6) about .4 “ long. Flowers are tubular to funnel shaped 1.5-2” long, tepals linear to linear lanceolate, acute white to pink with a dark purple midrib. Stigma lobes 5-8, linear, yellow. Tube short and scaly.

Stenocactus lamellosus is easy to to care cactus, recommended for any collection that needs lots of light with ample airflow. It is small growing and easy to care and very willing to flower. Because of it’s small size makes a great potted plant specimen, great for beginning collectors.  Water thoroughly during the active growing season (spring and summer), water when the top 1” of soil feels dry to the finger. Do not soak the soil during the dormant period (Winter). Be careful, excessive watering can make root and/or stem to rots. Make sure there is good air circulation between plants. Care must be taken with watering as they tends to become swollen and untidy in growth habit if given too much water and shade.  Outside bright sun it likes strong sunshine, but is tolerant and do well with light shade during the hot summer months, inside it needs bright light, and some direct sun. Subject to sunburn if exposed to direct sun for too long. Tends to bronze in strong light, which encourages flowering and heavy wool and spine production.

All my plants are healthy and pest free. All purchases on or after Wednesday will ship the following Monday to avoid plants spending the weekend at the post office. Not responsible for frozen plants or delays from postal service, that’s out of my hands. If you require a heat pack, I have some for sale, check under my other listings. I’m not making any money on these, I have them there for YOUR convenience. They are priced at $6 that’s to cover my cost. If you purchase a heat pack send me a message and let me know is for your order.