Commonly known as the Brain Cactus or Wave Cactus, this is a small, globular cactus that looks like a living geometric puzzle. It is world-famous for its "multicostatus" (many-ribbed) structure, featuring dozens of thin, wavy, papery ribs that tightly pack the surface of the plant, mimicking the folds of a brain. Between these folds, small clusters of spines emerge, adding to its rugged, prehistoric aesthetic.
This species is native to the high-elevation deserts of Central Mexico (specifically Coahuila, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas). Growing in limestone-rich soil among grasses, its wavy ribs are an evolutionary marvel designed to provide shade to the plant's body and allow for rapid expansion during rare rainfalls.
The blooms of the Brain Cactus are as dramatic as its body. In early spring, large, funnel-shaped flowers emerge from the crown. These flowers are typically white or pale violet with a bold, dark purple or pink stripe running down the center of each petal, creating a striking "starburst" effect against the wavy green ribs.
Bright Indirect to Full Sun. High light is necessary to maintain the tight, wavy rib structure and encourage blooming.
Mineral-Rich Cactus Mix. Prefers a very gritty soil (pumice, lava rock, and coarse sand) with very little organic peat.
Low. Use the "soak and dry" method. Be careful not to let water sit in the deep folds of the ribs, as this can cause rot.
9 to 11. Protect from frost; if kept dry, it can handle brief dips in temperature.
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We ship all year round, if your area is cold (under 40 degree), please consider purchasing a Heat Pack to add to your order.
* Minimalist Pot Options: White/ Oatmeal/ Gray colors are randomly picked
* Grower pot option is plastic pot, the color of the plastic pot will be random (brown, black, white or green)
* We use 3.5-inch wide clay pots for our 4-inch succulent plant + clay pot option, and 3-inch modern pots for the 4-inch succulent plant + modern pot option.
Your plant will be carefully wrapped in a sturdy box. Most of the succulents will be shipped bare-root to ensure their safety. If you want to receive the plastic pot & soil, please leave a note in your order. When opening your package, some soil may be loose in the box. Plant orders are shipped within 3-5 days depending on the availability of the plant. We ship our plants Monday through Friday, all twelve months of the year! If you need your order urgently, please message us so we can upgrade your shipping (additional cost applied). We do not ship outside of the continental United States.
We ship all year round, if your area is cold (under 40 degree), please consider purchasing a Heat Pack to add to your order.
Our packaging materials are: - 100% recyclable and biodegradable cardboard boxes. - 100% biodegradable packing peanuts made from natural and non-toxic sources.
Here is our blog about the shipping process and packaging: https://succulentsbox.com/pages/shipping-return-policy
*** The size options are represtentative of pots that the plants come in. Sometimes customer may receive multiple plants instead of a large one to make up size.
*** All of our packages are sterilized before leaving the door.
We take great pride in shipping only healthy, beautiful plants to our customers! To ensure they arrive in the best condition, please track your package and open it immediately upon arrival. If you have any concerns, our dedicated customer support team is here to help—just message us right away! Fragile varieties like bearpaw and baby toe may lose a few leaves or experience minor breakage during transit, but we are happy to assist if your plant is severely damaged. Our goal is to make sure you receive plants you love, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. Additionally, plant sizes may vary slightly depending on availability or the time of year, but rest assured, each one is carefully grown and selected.Your satisfaction is our priority, and we’re always here to help make your plant journey a great one!
Green Thumb Guarantee
Worried about plant care? We’ve got you covered! If your plant care goes haywire within 6 months of your order, you can claim a $15 gift card for your plant. How it works:
For each plant, you can receive a gift card.
All gift cards issued by Succulents Box will expire one (1) year from the date of creation.
The more plants you order, the more you can claim, up to a maximum of $50 gift card per order.
One-time claim per order.
For subscriptions, you can claim once per subscription.
Provide porous soil with adequate drainage, pots with drainage hole are recommended. Bright, filtered
light and ample airflow. Water thoroughly when soil is dry to the touch. Never let your succulents sit in water. Do
NOT water on the leaves. If you water from beneath by letting the plant sit in a saucer of water, make sure to pour
off any excess water after a few minutes.
The hotter it is outside, the faster your soil will dry out, so you’ll need to water more often if you live in a hot
area. Water with caution in winter, as the plant can lose its roots if the soil stays cold and wet for extended
periods; protect from frost to prevent scarring.
The blooms of the Brain Cactus are as dramatic as its body. 
Bright Indirect to Full Sun. High light is necessary to maintain the tight, wavy rib structure and encourage blooming.
Mineral-Rich Cactus Mix. Prefers a very gritty soil (pumice, lava rock, and coarse sand) with very little organic peat.
Low. Use the "soak and dry" method. Be careful not to let water sit in the deep folds of the ribs, as this can cause rot.