Care of the cactus Thelocactus lophothele or Echinocactus lophothele |
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The genus Thelocactus, family Cactaceae, includes about 10 species of cacti native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Some species are: Thelocactus lophothele, Thelocactus conothelos, Thelocactus hexahedrophorus, Thelocactus bicolor, Thelocactus setispinus, Thelocactus nidulans. Scientific synonym: Echinocactus lophothele. This species is native to northeastern Mexico. They are grayish-green cacti with a globose body that reach 25 cm (9.84") in height and produce suckers at the base when they are adults. They have 15-20 spirally arranged tuberculate ribs and oval white or yellowish areoles. The brown radial spines can be from 3 to 5 and usually do not have central spines. The showy white, yellow or pink flowers are up to 5 cm (1.96") in diameter and appear at the apex of the plant. They bloom in summer. They are used in rockery, on dry slopes, in cactus and succulent gardens, and in pots for balconies, windows, patios, and as houseplants. Thelocactus lophothele prefers a semi-shade exposure receiving direct sun in the early hours of the day. They do not resist temperatures below 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil can be a commercial cacti growing medium with a bit of leaf mulch; it is important that drainage is excellent. Water moderately in spring and summer, waiting for the substrate to dry completely; in autumn reduce watering to once a month and do not water in winter. Fertilize once in early spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti and again in early summer. Pruning is not necessary. They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess moisture. Indoors they must have good ventilation. They are easily propagated by sucker separation in spring. |
Images of the cactus Thelocactus lophothele or Echinocactus lophothele |
 Thelocactus lophothele  Thelocactus lophothele  Thelocactus lophothele |