Escobaria missouriensis is a low-growing species that inhabits the tallgrass and shortgrass areas along the Missouri River. Additionally, it can be found in lower elevations in Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, and as far south as Texas. The plant develops clumps that are 12 inches in diameter and grows to a height of around 12 inches. Tepals 13 to 25; flowers 1-2 cm long; yellowish with green to pink midstripe.
Care Guide
Water
The drought-tolerant Missouri foxtail cactus doesn’t need to be watered frequently. When the soil is entirely dry, water it well. To prevent water buildup when watering a pot, water carefully, wait for water to trickle out the bottom, and then pour the extra water from the tray. Its three main growing seasons are spring, summer and autumn. To keep the soil just a little bit moist, water once or twice every week. Water the soil only enough to prevent it from drying out too much over the winter, usually once a week. Additionally, use distilled or rainwater instead of tap water.
Calcium, magnesium, and other mineral salts are abundant in tap water. Compaction of the soil is often brought on by prolonged use. When watering, avoid sprinkling water on the stem to avoid rotting.
Fertilizer
Liquid fertilizer should be applied once a month to Missouri foxtail cactus during the growing seasons (spring, summer and autumn). When repotting in the spring or autumn, a tiny amount of slow-release fertilizer can be thoroughly incorporated into the soil.
Sunlight
As a heliophilic plant, the Missouri foxtail cactus requires enough sunlight to thrive and blossom. It may be positioned on a balcony or in an open area of a garden. However, prolonged exposure to intense sunlight should be avoided in the sweltering summer, when it needs to be shaded or somewhat chilled to prevent damage from high temperatures.
Pruning
Pruning Missouri foxtail cactus is not necessary frequently. Remove dead branches and blooms to allow the plant to focus its resources on nutrient-rich growth.
Temperature
The Missouri foxtail cactus is found in tropical, subtropical, and semiarid areas that experience little precipitation, intense sunlight, and scorching temperatures. 20 to 35 °C is the ideal temperature for growth. Temperatures below 10 °C or above 35 °C cause development to stall and dormancy to start. The surroundings should be well-ventilated and the air humidity shouldn’t be too high. Avoid accumulating water and high humidity.
Table
