Tephrocactus geometricus

ball cactus
Very rare collector’s plant. Over time creates a wide but tidy stack of 2” balls that hue pink with stress. Gritty soil, protect from winter rain. Large white flower.
Tephrocactus geometricus
height 4–12in
width 1–2ft
tolerates Heat, Pots, Rooftops, Neglect
water
needs
Low
water
info
Most cactus, like this one, 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 does not want to sit around totally dried out during its 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
20F
exposure Full Sun
indoor
outdoor
Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Requires Perfect Drainage
fertilizing All Purpose, Low Needs
origin Bolivia
california
native
No
sunset
zones
8, 9, 11–24

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

This plant will grow in Sunset Zones 8 & 9, 14 & 15 in southern areas (south of the Bay Area) where winters are dryer. In these zones further north this plant is difficult to grow as it does not like the mix of cold and wet.
Individual balls can be removed and rooted in early summer.