Turbinicarpus (Cactus)

The genus Turbinicarpus includes small rare spherical cacti mainly native to the mountainous areas in north-eastern Mexico, particularly robust and able to grow environments too hostile even to the majority of cacti as evidenced by the robust and coarse spines that protect them. They are able to survive, in the cracks of limestone at an altitude of 3,000 mt! In nature they grow spontaneously in the crevices of the rocks, thanks to the long and dense roots and its extreme adaptability to environments and climates. It is mainly distinguished and appreciated for its flowering tops, consisting of large funnel-shaped flowers of soft colors, which make it very elegant: a delightful jewel that will not go unnoticed! Here are some tips for its cultivation: It likes very bright places, however, avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. It prefers rather mild temperatures, however it still survives even at temperatures close to freezing if the soil is dry. Water moderately, only when the soil is completely dry. It is enough to water the plant once a week in spring and summer, once a month in autumn and to suspend watering completely in winter. A well-draining and porous soil is an optimal solution, even better if further enriched with 50% of inert materials such as pumice or lapilli. They do not need frequent fertilization, it is sufficient to dilute the fertilizer with watering once a year.