Scientific Name
Turbinicarpus subterraneus (Backeb.) A. D. Zimm.
Synonym(s)
Echinocactus subterraneus, Gymnocactus subterraneus, Neolloydia subterranea, Rapicactus subterraneus, Thelocactus subterraneus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cacteae
Genus: Turbinicarpus
Description
Turbinicarpus subterraneus is a small cactus with an erect or prostrate, bluish-green stem flaring out after a long, slender neck that separates the large tuberose root from the enlarged apical part. It is one of the most unusual and fascinating cacti. The stem is club-shaped, up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall, and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears two blackish-gray central spines measuring up to 0.9 inches (2.2 cm) long and 16 to 19 white radial spines about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) long.
The flowers are whitish to magenta-colored with pink or brown mid-stripe, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, and up to 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter. The fruits are small, greenish-brown, relatively dry, and unattractive.
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 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 on the weather conditions. Initially, the plants should be given a light spray to encourage them to grow gently.
These cacti can withstand high summer temperatures and benefit from proper ventilation. Do not be tempted to overcrowd the plants. They will be far happier with a bit of space to allow the air to circulate. Winter temperatures can be as low as 44 to 46 °F (7 to 8 °C). Indeed, the plants need these low temperatures to ensure a sustained dormant period, resulting in proper growth and flowering the following growing season.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Turbinicarpus.
Origin
This species is endemic to Mexico. Its natural habitat is hot deserts.
Links
- Back to genus Turbinicarpus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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