Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanus

Scientific Name

Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanus (Boed.) Buxb. & Backeb.

Synonym(s)

Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanus subsp. schmiedickeanus, Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanus var. schmiedickeanus, Echinocactus schmiedickeanus, Neolloydia schmiedickeana

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanus is a small cactus with green, spherical, more or less depressed stems with a wooly apex. It remains solitary or forms a small clump and is nearly completely buried by the soil in its native habitat. The stems are up to 2 inches (5 cm) tall and 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter. Flowers are white to pink, outside with darker midribs, funnel-shaped, and up to 1 inch (2.5 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 growth.

These cacti can withstand high summer temperatures and benefit from good ventilation. Do not be tempted to overcrowd the plants, and they will be far happier with a small space to allow the air to circulate. Winter temperatures can be 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

This species is native to Mexico (Tamaulipas).

Photo Gallery

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