Discocactus horstii

Discocactus horstii is one of the most sought-after miniature tropical cacti due to its unique appearance and beautiful flowers. It forms a small, round, flattened globe with striking ribs and woolly cephalium — a signature feature of mature Discocactus species.

• Stem: Globular to slightly flattened, 5–8 cm in diameter, dark green to bluish-green in color.

• Ribs: 8–12 well-defined ribs with deep grooves and prominent areoles covered in short white wool.

• Spines: 6–8 short, radial spines per areole, white to yellowish, giving a neat appearance.

• Cephalium: When mature, it develops a white woolly cephalium on top — a dense tuft of hair where flowers emerge.

• Flowers: Nocturnal, large, fragrant, white flowers open at night from the cephalium, adding to its exotic charm.

• Fruit: Small, pink to reddish, containing shiny black seeds.

☀️ Cultivation and Care Tips:

🌤️ Light:

• Prefers bright, indirect sunlight or filtered light.

• Avoid harsh midday sun, especially in summer, as it can scorch the delicate epidermis.

🌡️ Temperature:

• Ideal range: 20–30°C (68–86°F).

• Being a tropical cactus, it dislikes cold — never expose below 15°C (59°F).

• Should be kept indoors or in a warm greenhouse in cooler climates.

💧 Watering:

• Water moderately during the growing season (spring to early autumn), allowing soil to dry between watering.

• In winter, keep almost dry — avoid waterlogging, as roots rot easily.

🌱 Soil:

• Use a well-draining cactus mix with coarse sand, perlite, and small gravel.

• You can add pumice for better aeration.

🪴 Potting:

• Grow in shallow pots with excellent drainage.

• Repot carefully every 2–3 years; avoid disturbing roots too much.

🌸 Flowering Time:

• Flowers appear in warm months (summer), usually at night, and last a few hours but with a strong pleasant fragrance.

🌾 Propagation:

• Typically propagated by seeds.

• Grafting onto hardy rootstocks like Myrtillocactus geometrizans or Hylocereus improves survival and growth.

• 🌼 Special Features:

  • Rare and collectible Brazilian cactus species.

  • Emits a strong, sweet night fragrance.

  • Cephalium and nocturnal blooming make it a showpiece for collectors.

  • Excellent for indoor cactus displays or greenhouse cultivation.