Care of the cactus Strombocactus disciformis or Cactus turbinatus |
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The genus Strombocactus, family Cactaceae, includes a single species of cactus native to central Mexico: Strombocactus disciformis. Scientific synonyms: Cactus turbinatus, Mammillaria disciformis, Ariocarpus disciformis, Echinocactus disciformis. They are cacti with a globular body and a napiform root that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height. The epidermis is bluish-green in color and has rhomboid tubercles. They have 4-5 erect spines on the areolas. The flowers are bright cream in color, 3.5 cm (1.37") in diameter and appear at the apex of the cactus. They bloom from spring to early summer. This small, very slow-growing cactus is used in pots for terraces, patios and as indoor and greenhouse plants. Strombocactus disciformis needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. If it's grown indoors it should have good ventilation. It does not resist cold below 4 ºC (39.2 ºF). The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate with 20% coarse sand. Water sparingly in spring and summer waiting for the soil to be completely dry. In mid-autumn stop watering until spring begins. Fertilize in early spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti. Cactus turbinatus does not need pruning. The main enemy of Strombocactus disciformis is the excess of humidity to which it's very sensitive. Echinocactus disciformis is propagated by seeds but their growth is so slow that they should not be transplanted up to 4 years. It's possible that it produces suckers but its rooting is not easy. To accelerate its growth it can be grafted onto columnar cacti. |
Images of the cactus Strombocactus disciformis or Cactus turbinatus |
 Strombocactus disciformis  Strombocactus disciformis |