Scientific Name:

Maihueniopsis clavarioides

Common name:

Crested Dead Man's Fingers, Crested Mushroom Opuntia

Family:

Cactaceae

Sub-Family:

Opuntioideae

Tribe:

Tephrocacteae

Genus:

Maihueniopsis

Origin:

Argentina, Bolivia

Hardiness Zone:

13b

9b

ABout the PLant

Maihueniopsis clavarioides is a stunning succulent native to the Andes Mountains of South America. It is a member of the Cactaceae family and is known for its unique, clavate shape and bright yellow flowers. This succulent has a compact, globular shape with short stems that can reach up to 8 inches in height. Its thick, fleshy leaves are grey-green in color and have distinctive white spines along their edges. The leaves grow in an overlapping pattern that gives the plant its characteristic “clavate” shape. In springtime, it produces bright yellow flowers that stand out against its foliage. Maihueniopsis clavarioides requires very little care; it prefers warm temperatures and bright light but can tolerate some shade. Watering should be done sparingly as this plant is prone to root rot if overwatered. It also needs well-draining soil and regular fertilization during the growing season to keep it healthy and thriving. This beautiful succulent has been used by gardeners for centuries due to its attractive appearance and easy care requirements. It has become increasingly popular over the years as more people discover its unique beauty and resilience in all kinds of climates around the world.

Maihueniopsis clavarioides succulents prefer bright indirect light. They should be placed in a spot where they will receive direct sunlight for no more than four hours per day, and then be shaded from the intense afternoon sun. If you cannot provide bright indirect light, then medium light is acceptable. Low light should be avoided as it can cause the plant to become leggy and weak.

Maihueniopsis clavarioides succulents thrive in well-draining, sandy soil that is slightly acidic. The soil should also contain organic matter such as compost or peat moss to help retain moisture and provide nutrients. To ensure the best growth, it's important to keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy.

The Maihueniopsis clavarioides succulent is a low-maintenance plant that prefers to be watered infrequently. It's best to wait until the soil has completely dried out before watering again. Water deeply, but avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot. During the summer months, water once every 2-3 weeks and in winter, reduce watering frequency to once every 4-6 weeks.

The ideal humidity conditions for the Maihueniopsis clavarioides succulent are between 40-50%. This means that the air should not be too dry or too wet, but just right. It's important to keep an eye on the humidity levels in your home, as too much or too little can cause problems for this type of succulent.