Ariocarpus fissuratus, commonly known as Living Rock Cactus, is an evergreen succulent native to the Chihuahuan Desert in the Southwestern USA in Texas, and northern Mexico. It is a low-growing plant, typically reaching only 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) in height and spreading 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) wide. The plant’s body is star-shaped, with tubercles resembling rocks, which helps it blend into its native rocky limestone terrain. The greyish-green coloration can take on a yellowish tint with age. Ariocarpus fissuratus is known for its extremely slow growth rate and produces showy pink or white flowers in the fall, usually from late October to early November.

This cactus is valued for its unique rock-like appearance and is often used in rock gardens, as a container specimen, or in xeriscaping due to its drought tolerance. It requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun with very low water needs and a preference for a loose, sandy, or gravelly soil with excellent drainage. While it is slow-growing, grafting onto a faster-growing cactus stock can accelerate its growth. It is important to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0