Cactaceae
Beehive cactus (Coryphantha)
Coryphantha
Full sun or the brightest window you have. Water sparingly: in summer, soak it and then let the soil dry completely. In winter keep it dry, cool and bright, and don't let it fall below 5 °C. Use a sandy, gritty mix and a pot with a drainage hole, because it rots easily in wet soil.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
5° - 32°C
% - %
Categories
What is Beehive cactus?
Beehive cactus (Coryphantha) is a easy-care plant from the Cactaceae family. A genus of small to medium cacti, round or column-shaped, growing alone or in clumps. They come from dry parts of Mexico and the south-western United States, where they grow on rocky slopes. The body is covered in tubercles, small bumps tipped with spines, and each tubercle has a groove running from...
Beehive cactus grows up to 50cm, watering every 14 days, 5°C – 32°C. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Beehive cactus tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Beehive cactus is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 28 days.
How to Care for Beehive cactus?
TLDR: Beehive cactus needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between 5-32°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Beehive cactus?
In spring and summer, water deeply and then wait until the soil is dry. From autumn to early spring, give only enough water to keep it from shrivelling. Too much water rots the base.
How Much Light Does Beehive cactus Need?
Full sun to light shade. Indoors, the brightest window, facing south or east. In winter it still needs about 5 hours of good light a day.
What Is the Best Soil for Beehive cactus?
A very open cactus mix with coarse sand and grit. Avoid rich, humus-heavy compost.
What Pot Should You Use for Beehive cactus?
A shallow terracotta pot with a drainage hole, just a little bigger than the plant. It grows slowly and rarely needs repotting.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 42 days
What Is Beehive cactus and Where Does It Come From?
A genus of small to medium cacti, round or column-shaped, growing alone or in clumps. They come from dry parts of Mexico and the south-western United States, where they grow on rocky slopes. The body is covered in tubercles, small bumps tipped with spines, and each tubercle has a groove running from the tip toward the base. That groove is what separates Coryphantha from Mammillaria. The flowers open by day from the top of the plant and are usually yellow, sometimes pink, red or purple. Most stay between 10 and 30 cm, and a few reach 50 cm. There are over 40 species.
How to Propagate Beehive cactus?
Seed
Seedlings grow slowly. Cover the tray with clear plastic for the first few weeks to hold in moisture.
- 1 In spring, scatter seed over fine, moist cactus mix
- 2 Cover with a very thin layer of sand
- 3 Keep at 19 to 24 °C in bright light
- 4 Don't let it dry out until the seeds sprout, then pot on once they are firm
Materials needed:
Offsets
Only the clump-forming species make side offsets.
- 1 Hold the plant with gloves or folded newspaper
- 2 Cut off a side offset with a clean knife
- 3 Let the cut dry for a few days
- 4 Plant in dry cactus mix and wait a week before watering
Materials needed:
How Big Does Beehive cactus Grow?
TLDR: Beehive cactus can reach up to 50cm tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
50cm
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Beehive cactus?
TLDR: Beehive cactus is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Fun Facts
Coryphantha comes from Greek words meaning flower at the top, since the flowers open from the crown.
In some species a few spines turn into glands that give off nectar.
Until 1868 every Coryphantha was classed as a Mammillaria.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell Coryphantha from Mammillaria?
How often should I water it?
Why won't my cactus flower?
Can it handle cold?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
