My newest ariocarpus is Ariocarpus fissuratus Godzilla,a new variety most likely from Japan. The Japanese are real fans of ariocarpus and adeniums and have done some amazing things developing new varieties of both. Godzilla is a very green plant with nubby skin on its leaves, very different to my other ariocarpuses. I didn’t think to take a picture of it to show that green body before this flower bud magically appeared, but you can still see its fat, bumpy green body.

I found the bud on a Monday morning at 8:51. I know this because I took the picture with my phone, and smart phones record the time the image was taken. Sometimes these pesky phones can be helpful. Then, later that day, at 2:08 p.m., I checked again because once these plants start to bloom, they waste no time doing it. Sure enough, it had opened.

I enjoyed the flower off and on all day, and by 6:39 that evening, as ariocarpus blooms are wont to do, it closed.

The next day the flower opened again.

Time passed, the flower opened a couple more days, and then I was presented with another flower and a third bud!

On Sunday I had a new flower crowding the older one. It’s been fun watching this new one bloom along with my others that have bloomed this season.

Ariocarpus are intriguing little plants with lovely flowers. And there are many varieties. Everyone needs at least one in their collection!