Scientific Name
Thelocactus bicolor (Galeotti ex Pfeiff.) Britton & Rose
Common Names
Glory of Texas
Synonyms
Echinocactus bicolor, Echinocereus bicolor, Thelocactus schottii
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Thelocactus
Description
Thelocactus bicolor is a cactus with ribbed globose stems, up to 20 inches (50 cm) tall, that bears long reddish spines. It is usually solitary but may form clumps. Flowers are rosy-purple, funnel-shaped, up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter, and appear in summer.
Photo by Cok Grootscholten
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 display. A collection of them is especially attractive, as they look like a collection of balls tossed upon the ground. It is critical, however, to never 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 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. 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
Thelocactus bicolor 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
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