€15,90

🌱 Morphology

It is a generally solitary cactus, with a depressed-globose to almost flat body, glaucous green or grayish-green in color, which can reach approximately 6–8 cm in height and 12–20 cm in diameter.

The ribs are poorly differentiated and appear to be formed by numerous prominent tubercles, arranged in about 13–21 spiral series. The areoles are circular, about 6 mm, and have white wool when young.

Spination is highly variable. Some specimens may practically lack spines, while others develop up to 4 reddish central spines, which later turn grayish-white, and up to 5 radial spines. The central spines can reach approximately 4–6 cm.

🌍 Habitat and geographical distribution

It is a species from northeastern Mexico, mainly from Coahuila and Nuevo León, where it lives in arid environments and dry scrublands. Kew recognizes it as an accepted species and places it within the desert or dry scrub biome.

It usually grows on stony and calcareous soils, in areas with fast drainage. The species shows great morphological variability and several names that were previously considered subspecies or varieties, among them T. rinconensis subsp. hintonii, nidulans, phymatothelos and palomaensis. Kew currently treats them as synonyms of T. rinconensis.

It belongs to the family Cactaceae and the IUCN considers it of Least Concern (LC).

❄️ USDA Zone and minimum cultivation temperatures

As a cultivation reference, it can be placed approximately in USDA 9a–11. It tolerates a minimum temperature of approximately -4 °C. 

☀️ Lighting

It needs a lot of light, preferably full sun, although in the months of most intense radiation it may appreciate some protection during the central hours if grown behind glass. High light levels help maintain a compact body, promote strong spination, and stimulate flowering.

As a practical goal during active growth, approximately 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ of DLI PAR is recommended. 

💧 Growth cycle and watering.

Winter dormancy. During winter, it should be kept completely dry. This cold and dry rest is important to prevent rot problems and promote subsequent spring flowering. Activity begins with rising temperatures and can extend through spring and summer. During this period, abundant watering is recommended, thoroughly wetting the substrate and allowing it to dry completely before the next watering.

In Madrid, the first watering can be done when nighttime temperatures are sufficiently stable and the plant shows clear signs of reactivation.

🌸 Flowering

The flowers are large in relation to the body size, approximately 4–7 cm in diameter, and appear in the apical zone. Their coloration is variable: it can range from white and yellowish-white to pale pink and purplish-pink, sometimes with a more intense pink stripe. It mainly has a spring flowering, approximately between April and June, depending on the temperature and the light intensity received during late winter.

🌿 Nutrition

During active growth, Desert CHOICE® Cacti NPK (Ca-Mg) 4-4-7 (4-4) is recommended. Its contribution of assimilable calcium promotes the formation of firm tissues and the maintenance of turgidity, while magnesium participates in chlorophyll formation.

This is an inimitable xerophytic cultivated in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the specific Desert SOIL substrate.

Gourmet pot 10x10 cm

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