Scientific Name
Thelocactus bicolor (Galeotti ex Pfeiff.) Britton & Rose
Common Name(s)
Glory of Texas
Synonym(s)
Echinocactus bicolor, Echinocereus bicolor, Thelocactus schottii
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Thelocactus
Description
Thelocactus bicolor is a cactus with an egg-shaped stem with 8 to 13 ribs and clusters of long reddish spines along the ribs. The stem grows up to 15.2 inches (38 cm) tall and up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, usually solitary but may form a clump with age. Flowers are rosy-purple, funnel-shaped, up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter, and appear in summer.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Overall, these are beautiful cacti for dish gardens or indoor displays. A collection of them is especially attractive, as they look like a collection of balls tossed upon the ground. However, it is critical never to let these cacti be exposed to prolonged periods in water or even very high humidity. They will suffer from rot in the presence of humidity. Echinocactus are vulnerable to pests, including aphids, mealybugs, scale, and whitefly. If possible, identify the infestation as early as possible and treat it with the leave toxic option.
It is best to repot at the beginning of the growing season or summer. To repot a cactus, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Next, knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echinocactus.
Origin
This species is widely distributed in the northern Chihuahuan Desert of the United States (Texas) and Mexico.
Links
- Back to genus Thelocactus
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
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