Description
The “Godzilla” has been probably developed by Japanese growers from Ariocarpus fissuratus, and there are several slightly different types (the Thais speaks of cloning) in circulation. The strongly structured surface and the deep colour of the plants are typical, but greener or woollier plants are in the variation range of this cultivar.
Forma aurea or aurata (Yellow form): The schizochromic form (Ariocarpus fissuratus cv. Godzilla aurata) has pale yellow stems due to the absence (or reduced production) of chlorophyll pigments: every other pigment is present at normal levels, the dominant green colouration is lost, but will still more than likely have normal other pigments that give the yellow overall appearance of the stem. This plant with yellow stems is very attractive and highly prized. It is almost always seen grafted on stronger columnar species, and cannot can be grown on its own roots.
Origin and Habitat
Japan (Nursery produced cultivar)
Cultivation and Propagation
Variegated and albinous cacti are regarded as choice and difficult in cultivation, but despite that many of them are relatively easy to grow. But be aware that they cannot tolerate prolonged exposure to direct sun light (especially during the hottest summer days), so grow them in half-shade or under filtered sun. They are sometime seen as grafted plants, but many grow well on their own roots, too.
On the contrary, the albinos can survive only if grafted on a strong green base.
Use mineral well-permeable substratum with little organic matter (peat, humus). Water sparingly from March till October and keep perfectly dry in winter at temperatures from 5 to 15 degrees centigrade. (In general these plants are more tender and cannot endure freezing temperatures ) In the rest period no high atmospheric humidity!!
Propagation: Usually by seed. Plants are often grafted onto column-shaped cacti.