Cochemiea spp.
cochemiea
Overview
Cochemiea is a genus of small spiny cacti in the family Cactaceae, native to Baja California and adjacent parts of northwestern Mexico. After a recent reclassification that absorbed many former Mammillaria, the genus holds roughly 40-50 species of globe-shaped to short-cylindrical, often clustering stems 2-12 inches (5-30 cm) tall, covered in spiral rows of tubercles tipped with radiating spines and, in many species, a hooked central spine. Flowers emerge between the tubercles near the stem tip; in the long-recognised species such as C. poselgeri they are red, tubular, and bilaterally symmetrical, suited to pollination by hummingbirds, while many of the newly added species bear smaller pink, yellow, white, or cream flowers. Blooms are followed by small club-shaped red fruits holding tiny seeds. Plants grow on rocky slopes, cliffs, and coastal desert scrub, rooting in sharp mineral soil with very little organic matter. Some clump into broad mounds of many heads, and a few of the original species trail or hang from rock faces. The genus needs heat, sun, and dry winters, and stems rot quickly in cold, damp soil.
Native Range
Cochemiea is native to Mexico, centred on the Baja California peninsula and reaching nearby parts of Sonora and offshore islands. It grows in hot, dry desert and coastal scrub, on rocky slopes, cliffs, and gravelly flats with sharp drainage.Suggested Uses
Cochemiea is grown by cactus collectors and in desert and rock gardens, dish gardens, and containers in frost-free or protected settings. The red-flowered species draw hummingbirds, and the compact clustering stems suit small spaces and windowsills. Its need for sharp drainage and a dry winter makes it unsuited to wet or cold gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 1'
Width/Spread3" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer, often after the stems take up moisture from seasonal rain. Red-flowered species are visited by hummingbirds, while smaller-flowered species draw bees. Small red fruits ripen over the following weeks and may persist on the stem.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
red to pinkGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Cochemiea grows in full sun in gritty, sharply drained mineral soil and needs warmth and a dry winter rest. Plants tolerate intense heat and drought but rot quickly if kept wet or cold, and most are hardy only in USDA zones 9-11 or grown under glass. Water is given sparingly in the warm growing season and withheld in winter. The cacti suit containers of cactus mix and rock or desert gardens in frost-free climates. Bright light keeps the stems compact and the spines well formed. Cold, damp, or rich soil leads to soft growth and root loss.Pruning
No routine pruning is needed. Offsets can be removed to limit the spread of clustering plants or to start new plants. Cut away any soft, rotted, or shrivelled stems with a clean blade and let the cut surface dry before it touches soil.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons