Care of the cactus Turbinicarpus alonsoi or Pediocactus alonsoi |
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The genus Turbinicarpus, family Cactaceae, comprises 30 species of small cactus native to Mexico. Some species are: Turbinicarpus alonsoi, Turbinicarpus roseiflorus, Turbinicarpus subterraneus, Turbinicarpus horripilus. Scientific synonyms: Pediocactus alonsoi. This species is native to Guanajuato, Mexico. They are small greyish-green cacti that reach 9 cm (3.5") in diameter. They have large triangular tubercles 1.5 cm (0.59") long with woolly areolas at the tip. They can have 3-5 spines in each areola that are lost with age. The flowers sprout at the apex of the plant, are 3 cm (1.18") in diameter and are magenta in color. Small black seeds can be obtained from the red-purple fruits. They are used in pots alone or as part of mini cactus gardens. Turbinicarpus alonsoi prefers a semi-shade exposure avoiding direct sun in the hottest hours of the day. In winter the temperature should not be less than 4 ºC (39.2 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of coarse siliceous sand, normal garden soil, and vermiculite or volcanic stones. Water regularly in spring and summer waiting for the substrate to dry. In autumn reduce watering and do not water in winter. They do not need pruning or fertilizers. They are resistant to pests but sensitive to excess watering. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring. The seedlings are relatively fast growing. |
Images of the cactus Turbinicarpus alonsoi or Pediocactus alonsoi |
 Turbinicarpus alonsoi |