Pelecyphora duncanii

A tiny, densely white-spined cactus (long known as Escobaria or Coryphantha duncanii) from scattered limestone outcrops of the Chihuahuan Desert in west Texas and southern New Mexico. It wedges into rock cracks in full sun, endures hot summers and frosty dry winters, and rots easily if overwatered. Grow it hard: very bright, very mineral, and dry and cool in winter.

At home, aim for

Day Cool-growingTargets in Plantistry

Night Close to the dayTargets in Plantistry

Humidity Dry airBand in Plantistry

Light Full sunDLI and PPFD in Plantistry

Expects a seasonal restGrows on rock (lithophyte)

Where it grows wild

Cracks and pockets in limestone ledges and rocky slopes in open Chihuahuan Desert scrub, often half buried in rock debris.

Measured sites are at 620 m near the Rio Grande and 1,380 m; the species is generally reported from roughly 900–1,600 m on limestone hills.

TexasNew Mexico

🔒 Growing it like that

The wild conditions above, turned into targets for a shelf, a tent or a greenhouse. The full profile has:

✓ Day and night temperature targets, and the limits it tolerates

✓ Humidity band, and how to hold it

✓ Light as DLI and PPFD for a grow light

✓ Wet and dry seasons, and whether to rest it

✓ Substrate and airflow

✓ A step-by-step setup to grow it like the wild

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Profiles are drafts built from measured range and climate and from published sources; each section carries its own confidence in the app.