Snowball Cactus

Pediocactus nigrispinus

Native to:
United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cactaceae
Genus:
Pediocactus
Species:
Pediocactus nigrispinus
USDA Symbol:
PENI5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
15 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
pink, magenta, white

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Native to arid regions with sparse vegetation

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification and germinate best at fluctuating temperatures. Light may enhance germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Scarify, then cold-moist stratify for 60 days.

Source: Claude AI