Cochemiea dioica, the Peninsular fishhook cactus, is a striking succulent native to Baja California, known for its hooked spines and vibrant flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade.
100% intensity
Prefers bright, direct sunlight, but can tolerate some afternoon shade in very hot climates to prevent scorching.
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce in winter.
25% intensity
Well-draining cactus mix
50% intensity
Average to high
75% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures during the growing season. Protect from frost; bring indoors if temperatures drop below 5°C.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a diluted cactus fertilizer during the growing season only.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter to prevent root rot. Overwatering is the most common cause of problems for this cactus.
Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning is generally not required for Cochemiea dioica. Remove any dead or damaged stems promptly.
If the cactus becomes too large or develops an undesirable shape, you can carefully cut back stems using a clean, sharp knife or pruners.
Propagate by offsets (pups) that grow from the base of the parent plant. Carefully detach the offsets with a clean knife, allow them to callus for a few days, and then plant them in a well-draining cactus mix.
Rooting typically occurs within a few weeks.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the cactus outgrows its pot. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has drainage holes.
Repot in spring before new growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Peninsular Fishhook Cactus (Cochemiea dioica)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Cochemiea |
| Species | Cochemiea dioica |
Similar in genus Cochemiea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
