Pediocactus bradyi L.D.Benson
Brady's Hedgehog Cactus, Brady's Pediocactus, Brady's Pincushion Cactus, Brady Plains Cactus, Marble Canyon Cactus
Pediocactella bradyi, Pediocactus bradyi subsp. bradyi, Pediocactus simpsonii subsp. bradyi, Puebloa bradyi, Toumeya bradyi
Pediocactus bradyi is a small, usually solitary cactus with globose stems that grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) tall and up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. Each areole has some wool and several slightly curved, yellowish to white, up to 0.5 inches (0.5 cm) long spines. There are occasionally 1 or 2 central spines that are darker in color. The flowers are up to 0.8 inches (2 cm), up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter, and have red or green-striped yellowish outer tepals and pale yellow inner tepals. They appear in the early spring. Fruits are green, ripening red-brown, and about 0.4 inches (1 cm) long.
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 45 °F (+7.2 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Pediocactus are difficult to grow on their own roots and are cultivated only by skilled and experienced cactus growers. The growing medium needs to be porous so it can drain well and dry out completely. It does best in partial shade, and it needs protection from the sun during the hottest part of the summer.
These cacti do not like high temperatures and humidity levels in greenhouses. Pediocactus should be placed in a well-ventilated position. They like "wind." Water them moderately from spring to fall and let them dry out between waterings. Then, stop watering and allow them to go dormant for the winter months.
The flower buds stay dormant on the plant apex all winter. They will open in spring when the temperatures rise.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Pediocactus.
This species is endemic to Arizona in the United States, restricted to Marble Canyon in Coconino County.
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