Picture via unusualseeds
Basic Info
Epithelantha Micromeris is most commonly known as the ‘Button Cactus’. As the plant matures you can expect it to reach up to around 30.5 cm (12″) tall and about 91 cm (36″) in diameter. The plant is mostly green to dark green with many small little spikes.
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Epithelantha
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
Epithelantha Micromeris or the ‘Button Cactus’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care off. This succulent type needs less watering than other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Button Cactus healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this Epithelantha Micromeris or the ‘Button Cactus’. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.
General Care for Epithelantha Micromeris or the ‘Button Cactus’
the Button Cactus is perhaps one of the most exciting additions to any growers garden. It grows in ways that will surprise most growers. If you have the chance to buy one I would recommend doing so.
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Quick Facts:
- Prefers full sun
- Can be grown outdoor and indoor
- Grows 30.5 cm (or 12″) tall
- Grows up to 91 cm (or 36″) wide
- Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
- Does not handle cold well
- Prefers zone 9a -6.7° C (or 20° F)
- Best propagated by offsets or leaves
- Generally not known to be toxic to people or animals
- Grows best during Spring and Fall
Where to Plant
Epithelantha Micromeris or the ‘Button Cactus’ succulents need strong light. When planting this Button Cactus type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.
This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 9a which is around -6.7 °C (or 20°F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Epithelantha Micromeris or the ‘Button Cactus’ in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
How to Propagate Epithelantha Micromeris or the ‘Button Cactus’
Epithelantha Micromeris or the ‘Button Cactus’ can be propagated by offsets or seeds. Propagating by seeds would be difficult since this succulent is a difficult type to grow. This slow-growing succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store.
Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.
Offsets
Epithelantha Micromeris or the ‘Button Cactus’ propagates from the offsets. To be able to propagate from the mother plant, you should wait several years for the main plant to produce an offset. To start this process, use a sharp knife and remove an offset from the main plant. When you remove the offset, clean the extra soil from it. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
Seeds
The Button Cactus is a succulent type is a slow grower so even if it can be propagated by its seeds, this method is not recommended. To propagate from the seeds, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture. This method can be used outdoors. In cooler areas, indoor propagating is recommended.
Origin and Habitat
Epithelantha Micromeris or the ‘Button Cactus’ is known to be native to the United States; Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It is also native to Mexico; Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo León, San Luis Potosí and Zacatecas.
