Leuchtenbergia principis

prism cactus
Graphic cactus grows very slowly. Long taproot requires deep pot and can be elevated for effect when mature. Buff-yellow strawflower like flowers.
height 8–20
width 12–20in
tolerates Cold, Drought, Heat, Pots, Neglect, Wind
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 Most cactus are from the deserts of the world and as such like to go totally bone dry between waterings, making them very low-maintenance. If you see your cactus begin to shrivel or lose firmness, your cactus is likely totally dry and should be watered. To get good healthy growth your plant doesn’t want to sit around totally dried out during it’s growing season. Once it is dry, water it.

This cactus comes from an area with summer rainfall and is actively growing during that time, when it is forgiving of overwatering errors. During winter dormancy it should be kept extra dry and won’t tolerate overwatering.

Remember that if kept in a small pot your plant will want more frequent watering.
hardy
to		 18F
exposure Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Requires Perfect Drainage, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose, Low Needs
origin NC Mexico
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 8, 9, 11–23

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Sometimes this plant will grow as a single head, but other times it will offset creating many heads.
Plant is significantly less hardy with wet winters, since the thick water storing taproot is prone to rot. If growing this plant in an area with cold wet winters use a soil mix of 50% pumice to 50% cactus mix. Place plant in the warmest most sheltered area and if possible under the eave where it will have shelter from rain.
Spines are harmless.