[2] Cochemiea pondii grows initially as a solitary plant and later forms small groups.

Of the 4 to 5 central spines, one is always stiff, strongly hooked, whitish with a dark brown tip, and about 2.5 cm (0.98 in) long.

[3][4] Cochemiea pondii is widespread in the Mexican state of Baja California and is found only on Isla de Cedros at elevations from sea level to 200 m (660 ft).

Plants are found growing among Agave sebastiana, Echinocereus maritimus, Cochemiea goodridgei, and Ferocactus chrysacanthus.

[6] Frederick Arthur Walton reclassified the species into the genus Cochemiea in 1899.