Does anyone grow this TX native? If so, how hardy do you think it is?
Cheryl
Ariocarpus fissuratus
No work, No gardening...too much time on my hands
a pic
My experience is that unless its a prickly pear, DFW's climate is just a little bit too north to
support cactuses outdoors in winter. This is a living rock, right? They grow in places like
Big Bend, so I think it'll need to be brought inside for the coldest days of winter. It is pretty,
though, and I remember hearing that it tastes like carrots.
Brandon
I grow a few cactus that are hardy here, especially if you can keep them from getting excess moisture in winter. I am just not sure if this species is one that can handle our cold weather.
Well, the Plant Files says that its lowest zone is 9a, but it is mostly underground, so maybe it could be helped
through winter with some protection. According to the weather channel's web site, the average low temps in
winter for the Big Bend area and Arlington are about the same. I guess besides unseasonably cold weather
(like right now), it'll do mostly fine.
Brandon
I wouldnt plant it outside year round if its labled to zone 9. Some sites list it to 8. It will be in a large clay pot that can be moved during harsh weather. I know they have deep tap roots too.
Some cactus that do well here (dont know all the scientific names and not looking them up right now LOL)
cholla
lace and claret cup cacti
old man has survived here (will see how he did with this awful weather in spring)
native coryphantha have really good cold tolerence but definately need very sharp drainage and minimal winter moisture
native mammalaria, mine have been outside 4 years now and they have done well
There are others too. I think the trick is to create a well drained bed with lots of rock. I make tall raised beds for mine.
C
That is pretty Cheryl, I just have Cholla, Lace Cactus and Spineless Prickly Pear, I hope they all make it, they are outside.
I hope they do to, mine are all outside so keep your fingers crossed.
C
Big Bend is pretty cold, but it's a lot drier than DFW. Maybe let it really dry out as the weather gets cold? I've got some neighbors who have some in the cracks of a big boulder in their yard, but I'm not sure if they ever water them.
Warmer down there though but still I might try one to see. One for a pot one for a bed.
C
A nursery in Houston sells A. fissuratus and lists it to 8B. Other plant listings seem accurate so now I am more confused.
C
I say go for it. Even if the one in a bed doesn't make it, the one in the pot will.
I think the zone markings are only approximate. If there's inconsistency between reliable sources, it's
probably safe to assume that it's somewhere along the borderline between two zones.
Brandon
This message was edited Feb 3, 2011 7:06 PM