The Turbinicarpus are miniature cactus, highly appreciated by collectors, natives of Mexico and capable of flourishing even when young. They tend to stay below 12 cm height, with globose to cylindrical stems, marked tubers and fine thorns. In addition to displaying showy flowers, they develop a thickened primary root which allows them to anchor themselves in rocky soils.
Botanical characteristics and diversity
The genre brings together some two dozen or so species, many of them protected and subject to CITES; therefore it is advisable to purchase plants from certified nurseries. Their habitat is calcareous, alkaline and very draining, sometimes cracks with minimal substrate, from approximately 300 to 3300 meters above sea level. In these extreme conditions, the epidermis and the interlacing of spines help to camouflage the plant and reduce radiation.
Notable features of the genus: apical flowers generally small but very attractive, with petals that often present darker lines; reddish to purple fruits with black seeds; thorns that tend to be curves; infrequent sucker formation. In cultivation, some species may retract lightly in the substrate between waterings.
Notable examples: Turbinicarpus alonsoi (also known as Biznaguita; synonym Pediocactus alonsoi) small body, triangular tubercles and magenta flowers, and Turbinicarpus roseiflorus (synonymous Strombocactus roseiflorus), globular, with spiral tuberculate ribs, woolly areoles, 3-5 radial spines and 2-4 central spines black, pink flowerBoth species are ideal for pots and mini cactus gardens.
Main distribution by states: San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Nuevo León, Querétaro, Hidalgo, Coahuila, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.
- Turbinicarpus alonsoi
- Turbinicarpus andersonii
- Turbinicarpus beguinii
- Turbinicarpus bonatzii
- Turbinicarpus booleanus
- Turbinicarpus gielsdorfianus
- Turbinicarpus hoferi
- Turbinicarpus horripilus
- Turbinicarpus jauernigii
- Turbinicarpus knuthianus
- Turbinicarpus laui
- Turbinicarpus lophophoroides
- Turbinicarpus mandragora
- Turbinicarpus mombergeri
- Turbinicarpus nieblae
- Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele
- Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus
- Turbinicarpus rioverdensis
- Turbinicarpus roseiflorus
- Turbinicarpus saueri
- Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanus
- Turbinicarpus subterraneus
- Turbinicarpus swobodae
- Turbinicarpus valdezianus
- Turbinicarpus viereckii
- Turbinicarpus ysabelae
- Turbinicarpus zaragozae
Lighting and temperature
Require a lot of light. Outdoors, morning sun and semi-shadow during the most intense hours in very hot climates to avoid burns. Indoors, place them next to a sunny window and with good ventilation; growing in low light stunts growth. For more information, you can consult our article on the differences between cacti and succulents.
They prefer warm days and cooler nights. As a practical reference, many hobbyists set a minimum safe temperature around 4 ° CThere are well-acclimatized species and specimens that can withstand light frosts and brief (up to -2 ºC, and even occasionally -4 ºC in the substrate) very dry), but it is advisable avoid frost and protect from hail.
Substrate and pot
The critical point is the sewer system and the pH. Use a very strong cactus substrate mineral and aerated, reaction neutral to alkaline (never acidic). Explore the various possibilities in our section substrates for succulent plants, ideal for these specimens. Recommended base mix: coarse silica sand + pumice, perlite, or gravel; very little organic matter. For calcicolous species such as T. lophophoroides Add natural plaster (10-30%) and limestone aggregates. Furthermore, a good substrate contributes to…
In habitat they do not grow on volcanic soils, but in cultivation they can be used volcanic gravel inert as a structural component provided that the pH is compensated with limestone aggregates and gypsum. Essential drainage holes. Due to the thickened taproot, pots are suitable deeper than they are wide.
Irrigation and fertilizer
Its drought resistant and they fear excess water. Water only when the substrate is completely dry and always in a way deep. To learn more about care, visit our guide on growing cacti and other succulents. Useful guidelines: in summer each 7-10 days; in spring every 10-15 days; in autumn monthly; in winter, suspend. In T. lophophoroides irrigation usually works widely spaced (1 time/month) but abundant. Avoid wetting the body to preserve the apical woolliness.
Fertilize sparingly in spring (and, if desired, in early summer) with a cactus fertilizer. rich in potassium. They do not require pruning.
Transplantation, grafting and propagation
Transplant each 2 years to renew the substrate, even if you keep the same pot. The root system is delicate; handle with care. For more information, consult the article on reproduction of the star cactusSome species are better kept grafted on robust patterns, which reduces the risk of decay and allows for somewhat more frequent watering.
Multiplication is by seeds. Sowing in spring in seedbed with slightly damp vermiculite or fine mineral mixture; they germinate in 1-2 monthsGrowth is slow to moderate and the first flowering usually occurs between 2 and 4 years according to species and crop.
Common pests and problems
They rarely suffer from pests, but they can appear mealybugs (improves ventilation and acts with specific control) and molluscs that nibble at stems and roots. diatomaceous earth It is helpful against both. Excess moisture favors mushrooms; avoid waterlogging and prioritize aeration. Signs of stress from intense sun (bleached epidermis) advise adding partial shade in critical hours.
With abundant light, measured watering and a mineral substrate alkaline and very drainingTurbinicarpus thrive in pots, on terraces and in mini-gardens. Respecting their thick roots, protecting them from frost and adjusting watering to the season are the keys to enjoying their blooms and keep plants healthy for many years.
