These days, it is difficult to find good plants on their own roots because of the slowness of growth and the high demand from collectors, which prevents nurserymen waiting the time needed to cultivate rooted specimens.   Therefore, Aztekium ritteri is normally sold grafted on various stocks.   Not all stocks, however, are ideal for this species as, perhaps more than any other, it can become deformed and unattractive if the stock is too vigorous.   I do not like plants grafted on Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Martius) Console but prefer those grafted onto slower growing Echinocereus Engelmann.   Small plants, measuring only a few millimetres, are often found grafted on species of Hylocereus (Berger) Britton & Rose, Selenicereus (Berger) Britton & Rose or Pereskia Miller but, of course, these need re-grafting onto bigger stocks as they grow.   Pelecyphora aselliformis Ehrenberg is often cultivated the same way, which is not surprising as it is related to Aztekium ritteri and also very slow of growth.   The aim is to obtain grafted plants with the same colour and form as they would have on their own roots, while saving the nurseryman time and, commercially speaking, to prevent inflated prices for plants of a certain size.   

     The cultivation of this species is not difficult when plants are grafted but is less easy when they are on their own roots.   It is necessary to add calcareous material (chalky particles such as limestone chippings) to the soil mix in order to aid development.   It is also important to avoid too much organic matter or excessive fertilizer in the mix.   I also recommend covering the surface of the soil mix with gravel or volcanic pumice, in the same way and for the same reasons as I have suggested for Ariocarpus Scheidweiler.   Care needs to be taken with humidity and watering should not be too frequent.   Young plants benefit from a semi-shaded position but should be moved into full sun when they are older.   It is normally stated that plants on their own roots should be dry in winter but I have found they can accept a little humidity if the soil drains well and conditions are not too cold, particularly if the plants have been excessively dry in the hot weather.   Grafted plants may require some water because the stock may not tolerate completely dry and arid conditions.

     Generally, the plants bloom in July-August, when the temperature is at the maximum.   The flower varies from white to pale pink in Aztekium ritteri but is purple in Aztekium hintonii Glass & FitzMaurice.   This second species, named in 1992, is of faster growth and reaches a greater size but, unlike its older brother, rooted plants rarely offset.   Grafted plants, though, do sometimes form clumps.   Aztekium hintonii, though faster growing than Aztekium ritteri, is still fairly slow but can be cultivated steadily from seed and presents fewer difficulties on its own roots.   It is, however, often sold as a grafted plant for the same reasons as Aztekium ritteri.   The price of seed has reduced considerably over the last 2 years but patience is needed if a rooted plant is preferred as seedlings rarely exceed 1 millimetre after the first year.

     Both these species are difficult to produce in quantities for sale and any errors in cultivation can cause an entire generation of plants to be lost.   Micrografting of seedlings is the most popular and advantageous method of propagation.   Some very experienced growers have rooted offsets from old plants but the success rate is low and the creation of the roots is very slow.

     Cristate forms of both species exist and these are highly valued but rarely seen for sale.   A careful selection is rarely available from Japan and some of these plants have beautiful ribs and bodies.   Hopefully, in years to come, more selections of these precious plants may be propagated and become available.

Aztekium ritteri fa. cristata