Care of the cactus Thelocactus hexaedrophorus or Echinocactus hexaedrophorus |
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The genus Thelocactus, family Cactaceae, comprises 10 species of cacti native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Some species are: Thelocactus hexaedrophorus, Thelocactus bicolor, Thelocactus nidulans, Thelocactus lophothele, Thelocactus conothelos, Thelocactus setispinus. Scientific synonyms: Thelomastus hexaedrophorus, Echinocactus hexaedrophorus. This species is native to Northeast Mexico. They are small cacti with a dark bluish green body and somewhat flattened globular shape that barely reach 8 cm (3.14") in height and 15 cm (5.9") in diameter. They present large rounded tubercles with woolly areoles that have 4 to 6 radial spines and 3 or no central spines. The showy white flowers with magenta touches can cover the body of the plant as they reach 5 cm (1.96") in diameter. They are used in pots and planters due to their small dimensions as indoor plants, greenhouse plants and in patios and terraces. Thelocactus hexaedrophorus prefers full sun exposure but can grow in light shade. If they are grown indoors or in a greenhouse, the ventilation has to be excellent. In winter the temperature should be above 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate or a mixture of 50% leaf mulch and 50% coarse sand or perlite. Water moderately throughout the year waiting for the soil to be completely dry; in winter do not water. Fertilize once in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti. They do not need pruning. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases if they are not watered excessively. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring but growth is slow. |
Images of the cactus Thelocactus hexaedrophorus or Echinocactus hexaedrophorus |
 Thelocactus hexaedrophorus  Thelocactus hexaedrophorus  Thelocactus hexaedrophorus |