Thelocactus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. Thelocactus are low cacti with a spherical or club-shaped stem of a dark green or grayish color. Lateral shoots very rarely appear at the base of the stem. Within the genus, these plants are variable and the shape and size of their ribs and tubercles are different. Some cacti have deep vertical ribs, while the body of others is covered with large conical or rounded tubercles. In some specimens the spines almost hide the stems, while in others they are very sparsely spaced. The flowers of all species are large and brightly coloured, in shades of pink, lilac, yellow and white, often pastel, appearing at the tops of the stems and opening during the day.

Height. It grows very slowly and often does not exceed 25 cm in height.

Home care

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, normal room temperature. Easily tolerates intense summer heat. In winter, temperatures range from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius with plenty of light. Withstands short-term frosts down to -2 ° C if kept dry. Requires a cool dormant period for abundant flowering.

Lighting

3 - 4 hours of direct sunlight per day promotes the development of strong, healthy plants and the formation of flower buds. Light shading is only necessary on summer days.

Care

Thelocactus is quite widespread in collections due to its unpretentiousness and charming flowers. 

Substrate

You can use a ready-made mineral mixture for succulent plants and cacti. The soil should easily pass water and air, pH not higher than 6.5. A mixture of leaf humus, turf soil with a large amount of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. Drainage can account for up to 40 percent of the total volume of the mixture. 

Feeding

Feed at half strength monthly in the spring and summer with a fertilizer specifically formulated for cacti and succulents that is high in potassium. In autumn and winter, fertilizing is not carried out - the plant needs rest. 

Purpose

A small but elegant look that looks great at any time of year.

Flowering time

It blooms in early summer; plants bloom for the first time at the age of 5 or more years.

Air humidity

There is no need for spraying. Provide the cactus with a place with good air movement, but without cold drafts. In autumn and winter, the indoor air should be dry. 

Soil moisture

Water in spring and summer until the earthen ball is completely soaked; be sure to remove excess water that has accumulated in the pan after watering. The soil should be dried between waterings. In the autumn-winter period, water extremely carefully - only to avoid drying out the earthen clod. 

Transfer

Transplantation is carried out every 2-3 years, in spring. The root system does not like shocks, so it is better to use gentle treatment. After transplantation, watering is stopped for several days. When planting, the root collar can be surrounded by a layer of sand.

Reproduction

Thelocactus reproduces mainly by seeds or grafting. The seeds germinate easily in loose soil with a high sand content, but it will take time for the first flowering to occur. 

Pests and diseases

With poor air circulation and frequent watering in the autumn and winter, cacti rot.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

Sometimes adult thelocacti die for no apparent reason.