Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele

Scientific Name

Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele (Backeb.) Buxb. & Backeb.

Synonyms

Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele subsp. pseudomacrochele, Strombocactus pseudomacrochele

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele is a small, solitary or slowly clumping cactus with green globular stems with low conical tubercles and a woolly top. The stems are up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter. The areoles at the tips of the tubercles are white. Each areole bears 6 to 8 twisted white to brownish-yellow and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long spines. Flowers are diurnal, pale pink, yellowish-green to purple, with darker mid-stripe, up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long and up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter. Fruits are green, nearly round, and up to 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Turbinicarpus prefer to be in a well-ventilated position in full sun to maintain a good body color and spinal development. When it comes to watering, the golden rule is "never water when the soil is still damp." This is the one error that will certainly kill any plant. Watering should commence in the spring, depending upon the weather conditions at the time. The plants should initially be given a light spray to encourage them to grow gently.

These cacti can withstand high summer temperatures and indeed benefit, providing accompanied by good ventilation. Do not be tempted to overcrowd the plants, and they will be far happier with a bit of space to allow the air to circulate. Winter temperatures can be set as low at 44 to 46 °F (7 to 8 °C). Indeed the plants need these low temperatures to ensure a sustained dormant period resulting in good growth and flowering the following growing season.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Turbinicarpus.

Origin

Native to Mexico (Hidalgo and Querétaro).