Pygmy Earth Star Cactus
frailea pumila
Also known as: ["Earth Star Cactus","Pygmy Cactus"]
Overview
A small, globular cactus species native to South America, known for its star-like shape and low-growing habit.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Frailea |
| Botanical Name: | Frailea pumila |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright, direct light or outdoor in a rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or when dead segments are present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or direct morning sun for 4–6 hours daily. Tolerates full sun but benefits from some shade during intense afternoon heat.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to avoid sunburn. Place in a spot with filtered light during peak summer hours. Indoors, position near a south-facing window with some protection.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid intense afternoon sun; rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce to monthly in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries fully between waterings; reduce watering in winter.
Soil
well-draining, sandy cactus mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use gritty mix; avoid peat-heavy soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C). Tolerates mild frost but thrives in stable, warm conditions. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with diluted cactus fertilizer
Use low-nitrogen fertilizer; fertilize only when actively growing; stop in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets.Offsets are the most reliable method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy offset or cutting.
- Let cut end dry for a few days.
- Plant in well-draining medium.
- Keep lightly moist.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F or 21–27°C), humid (50–60%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite (1:1 ratio).
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Offsets may root in 2–4 weeks; cuttings take 4–8 weeks to root and several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callous before planting; use small pots to limit soil volume; maintain consistent humidity.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut away dead segments with a clean, sharp tool, ensuring minimal disturbance to healthy tissue.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed. Focus on removing dead or damaged segments to maintain health and aesthetics.
Tools
Clean, sharp knife or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; cut dead segments; avoid over-pruning; allow cuts to callous if necessary.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound or soil deteriorates. Typically every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; ensure proper drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; reduce in winter; avoid wetting plant body.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the soil level, avoiding the plant's body to prevent rot. Ensure water penetrates the root zone and allow excess to drain freely. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during winter dormancy, providing only occasional moisture to prevent shriveling.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage and aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or purpling of stems in cold stress; sunburn or bleaching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root rot if soil remains moist. Prolonged cold may lead to tissue damage.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is dry; provide frost protection if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause dehydration, wilting, or sunburn, especially if combined with inadequate water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water carefully to avoid overheating roots.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; rinse soil occasionally.
Fertilizing Method
Use a diluted cactus fertilizer (half strength) once monthly during growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicThe spines of Frailea pumila may cause mechanical injury to cats upon contact, but the plant is not chemically toxic to felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Dogs
Non-toxicThe spines of Frailea pumila may cause mechanical injury to dogs upon contact, but the plant is not chemically toxic to canines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Humans
Non-toxicThe spines of Frailea pumila can cause mechanical irritation upon contact, but the plant is not chemically toxic to humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Frailea pumila?
A: Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry, typically every 2-3 weeks during growing season.
Q: Does Frailea pumila flower?
A: Yes, it produces small, yellow flowers that open only in bright sunlight.
Q: Can Frailea pumila be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors in bright, indirect light with excellent drainage.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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