Turbinicarpus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Mexico.

Description. Turbinicarpus are miniature, often solitary-growing cacti with a spherical, ovoid or cylindrical stem of a green or gray hue. The ribs are practically invisible, but the stem is covered with numerous conical or round tubercles arranged in a spiral. Rarely forms lateral processes. The shape, size and color of the spines are highly variable. During the flowering period, the plant crowns itself with large – up to 4 cm in diameter, bright flowers on long flower tubes. The petals are colored in shades of pink, cream or white. Unfortunately, the flowers are short-lived - they often remain open for 1 day.

Height. It grows very slowly, mature plants reach a height of 15 cm.

Cultivation

Temperature conditions

In spring and summer, keep it warm at a temperature of 18 - 28° C. In the winter months, a dormant period begins, which the plants should spend in a cool room with a temperature of about 10° C.

Lighting

To initiate flowering and maintain a compact shape, turbinicarpus is grown in a well-lit place with access to direct sunlight in the morning and evening. In spring and summer, slight shading during the day is possible, but in autumn and winter it is worth providing maximum light. 

Care

Most varieties are unpretentious and are afraid only of waterlogging. They adapt very easily to various external conditions.

Substrate

The soil should easily allow water and air to pass through; turbinicarpus is not picky about pH. 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. You can use a ready-made substrate for cacti and succulents. 

Feeding

Feed only during the growing season with water-soluble fertilizers specifically designed for growing cacti. Fertilizers are diluted to half the recommended dose and applied monthly. 

Purpose

Turbinicarpus readily blooms indoors. The small size allows you to place a large collection of these cacti on a simple windowsill.

Flowering time

Summer. Blooms easily indoors. 

Air humidity

Place in a ventilated area with good air movement. There is no need to increase air humidity. During the rest period, the air should be dry. 

Soil moisture

Allow the soil to dry out 1/3 of its depth between waterings in spring and summer. Reduce watering to a minimum in autumn and keep the soil almost dry during the winter months.

Transfer

Repot cacti as needed in deep, unglazed pots with large drainage holes. Turbinicarpus has a taproot system that requires plenty of space. After repotting, stop watering for 7-10 days.

Reproduction

If lateral shoots form, they can be propagated by cuttings. However, more often only seed propagation or grafting is available. 

Pests and diseases

When there is too much moisture, plants grow tall and rot.

Red mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.