I have no clue what this is or how to care for it.

by Robert
(Minnesota)

The plant measures 13 cm wide and 10cm high, the spines are soft and fine.


Drought Smart Plants reply:

Hi Robert, what an odd looking little creature you have.

When you see the flattened type of growth on this plant, it's caused by cells that are mutating, due to a genetic anomaly or some type of damage early on in the growth cycle.

As you can see, some of this type of growth is not really stable, meaning it can revert back to normal growth at any time, or normal seeming growth can have new 'fasciated' shoots coming off it.

Care of these is the same as for any normal cacti or succulent, with extra care not to get water on the top growth due to the convoluted folds.

If too much moisture gets into the crevices, it can cause rot.

See the page on succulent care for more detailed growing instructions.

Good luck with your oddity!
Jacki