Stenocactus multicostatus

RHS Plant Profile

brain cactus

Synonyms

Echinofossulocactus multicostatus
Stenocactus erectocentrus
Stenocactus zacatecasensis

Cactus Succulent Houseplants

A solitary or clustering cactus to 10cm tall, producing spherical stems with 100 or more wavy ribs. Yellow or grey spines arise from white, felted areoles. In spring it bears funnel-shaped, pink flowers with a darker pink stripe on each petal

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0-0.1 metre
Max Height: Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H2

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Cactaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Clump forming
Genus: A genus of around 10 species of small flowering cacti, native to Mexico. Globular in shape, they can vary greatly in features, but are generally heavily ribbed, spiny and produce tubular flowers in the summer
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Mexico

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in standard cactus compost in full light with low humidity. When in growth, water moderately and apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly; keep dry in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Houseplants
Sub-tropical
Low Maintenance
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to root and stem rots if overwatered