Cacti - Corypantha Elephantidens
Cacti - Corypantha Elephantidens
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Coryphantha elephantidens, also known as Elephant's Tooth Cactus or Starry Ball, is a distinctive Mexican cactus with a rounded, slightly flattened body and large, raised tubercles arranged across the surface. The tubercles give the plant its unusual textured appearance, while the short, curved spines sit close to the body.
It usually grows as a solitary cactus, although mature plants can produce offsets and form small groups. The dark green body can reach a fairly substantial size over time, making this an interesting specimen for a cactus collection rather than just another small pot plant.
One of its most attractive features is its flowering. Mature plants can produce large, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, rose, purple-pink or, less commonly, yellow. Flowering generally occurs from late summer into autumn.
Growing Coryphantha elephantidens
This is a cactus for a sunny, well-drained position. Give it plenty of light and use a gritty cactus mix that does not hold excess water around the roots.
- Light: Full sun to light shade during very hot conditions
- Water: Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry before watering again
- Soil: Use a gritty, free-draining cactus mix
- Temperature: Protect from frost and prolonged cold
- Growth: Slow-growing, with offsets possible on mature plants
- Propagation: Can be grown from seed or offsets
In Australia, it can work well in a sunny pot, cactus collection, rockery or other dry garden setting. In areas with heavy winter rain, growing it in a pot can make moisture control much easier.
A cactus with plenty of character
The large tubercles, woolly areas around the areoles and curved spines give Coryphantha elephantidens much more texture than a typical round cactus. As it matures, its size and unusual surface make it a particularly interesting specimen for collectors.
Plant size: Supplied in an 80mm diameter nursery pot. The photographs are representative only. Each cactus will naturally differ slightly in size, shape, colour and form.
Common and Alternative Names
- Elephant's Tooth Cactus
- Elephant Tooth
- Starry Ball
- Coryphantha elephantidens
- Mammillaria elephantidens (synonym)
- Echinocactus elephantidens (synonym)
- Cactus elephantidens (synonym)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coryphantha elephantidens a good cactus for beginners?
Yes. Once established, it needs relatively little water and is straightforward to grow in a well-draining mix.
Does Coryphantha elephantidens get large?
It can. Mature plants may eventually reach around 14 cm in diameter, with some specimens growing larger.
Does it produce flowers?
Yes. Mature plants can produce large flowers, usually in pink or rose shades, although yellow flowers can also occur.
Can Coryphantha elephantidens grow outdoors in Australia?
It can suit sunny, dry Australian conditions. Protection from prolonged frost and excess winter moisture is important.
Does it make offsets?
Some plants remain solitary, while others can slowly produce offsets and form small groups.
Please note — NT, TAS, WA customers: please contact us before placing your order due to additional quarantine charges associated with these locations.
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