Thelocactus setispinus (Miniature Barrel Cactus)

Scientific Name

Echinocactus platyacanthus Link & Otto

Common Names

Miniature Barrel Cactus, Hedgehog Cactus, Twisted Rib Cactus, Fishhook Cactus

Synonyms

Echinocactus setispinus (basionym), Cactus bicolor, Echinocactus hamatus, Ferocactus setispinus, Hamatocactus bicolor, Hamatocactus setispinus

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Thelocactus

Description

Thelocactus setispinus is a cactus, up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, with a globe-shaped to short cylindrical stem. It has 12 to 15 ribs, 9 to 17 radial spines and 1 to 3 central spines. Radial spines are needle-shaped, bright brown or white and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. Central spines are longer and stronger, straight and curved like a hook at the tip. Flowers are yellow with a red center, up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long and up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter. They appear in late summer to fall. Fruits are red, round or elliptical and up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter.

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 very attractive 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 white fly. If possible, identify the infestation as early as possible and treat with the leave toxic option.

It is best to repot in 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 setispinus is native to United States (Texas) and Mexico (Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas).

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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