€7,95

🌱 Morphology

It is a generally solitary cactus with a globose to slightly depressed body, glaucous green or grayish-green in color. It usually reaches between 4 and 10 cm in height and between 4 and 12 cm in diameter, although very old specimens may exceed these dimensions.

It presents more than 30 very low ribs, formed by conical and rhomboidal tubercles arranged in a spiral. The areoles are small and woolly, especially at the apex.

It develops approximately 15–25 radial spines, thin, white or yellowish, up to 2 cm long, which intertwine with neighboring areoles to form a dense protective network. In addition, it usually presents 2–4 central spines, more robust, straw-yellow to cream-colored and up to 3–5 cm long.

The combination of numerous white spines and a small body makes adult specimens resemble a small, snow-covered sphere.

🌍 Habitat and geographical distribution

It is a species endemic to northeastern Mexico, restricted to a small area between the states of Coahuila and Nuevo León, within the Chihuahuan Desert. Its known distribution is very small, less than about 100 km². It grows at approximately 1,500 m altitude, on limestone slopes and xerophytic scrubland.

It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is currently considered Near Threatened (NT) due to its limited distribution and the pressure of illegal collection.

❄️ USDA Zone and minimum cultivation temperatures

Due to its origin in high areas of the Chihuahuan Desert, it can be placed approximately in USDA 8b–10. Therefore, it can tolerate minimum temperatures of down to -7°C. Perfectly dry and well-acclimated specimens can withstand occasional drops below this, but always avoiding the combination of humidity and cold.

☀️ Lighting

It requires high light levels and several hours of direct sun to maintain abundant and compact spination. As a cultivation objective, approximately 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of PAR DLI is recommended during the growth period. 

💧 Growth cycle and watering

Winter dormancy. During winter, it must be kept completely dry. As is the case with most Thelocactus, this cold and dry rest promotes root health and subsequent flowering.

With the arrival of spring, active growth begins. During spring and summer, abundant watering is recommended, soaking the substrate completely and allowing it to dry out entirely before the next watering.

At the end of summer and during autumn, waterings should be progressively spaced out until reaching the dry winter rest.

🌸 Flowering

It produces very large flowers in relation to the size of the plant, approximately 4–8 cm in diameter, with a funnel shape. The coloring varies between intense pink, purple-pink, and magenta, with yellowish stamens that create a very striking contrast. The flowers appear near the apex and can cover a large part of the plant.

In cultivation, flowering occurs mainly during spring and early summer, approximately between April and June in Madrid, depending on temperature and light accumulation.

🌿 Nutrition

During active growth, Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae NPK (Ca-Mg) 4-4-7 (4-4) is recommended. Assimilable calcium promotes the formation of firm tissues and the maintenance of turgor, while magnesium participates in chlorophyll synthesis.

This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot, with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.

📏 The sizes of our basic collection xerophytes are as follows:

S -> 9cm x 9cm

M-> 14cm x 14 cm

L->16cm x 16 cm

* Since this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent may vary slightly from the product image. The measurements of the plant are specified in the photo description, but this may also vary slightly because it is a living being! Each of the plants from Desert CITY has unique characteristics.

• Hassle-free returns

• Free Shipping on orders over €79.99

• Secure and protected payment guaranteed.