The variegated appearance of the plant, with its typical yellow streaks, due to a lack of chlorophyll in that point, makes it very precious and sought after by green collectors. This plant is of a characteristic mint green or deep dark green color. This cactacea has one of the largest heads of its kind, which can reach up to 7 centimeters in diameter, and can be found solitary or, when it is large enough, even surrounded by suckers. This plant has long dark red spines that stick out straight outwards and, in spring, is characterized by funnel-shaped flowers of a cherry color.