Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanus ssp. schwarzii (Cactus)

Description

Dwarf cactus species from Mexico. Light pink to white flowers. Beautiful cactus.

Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanus ssp. schwarzii has been reported to hybridise with Lophophora williamsii (Peyote).

Care and Cultivation of Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanus ssp. schwarzii

Semi-shaded position initially, Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanus ssp. schwarzii can be kept on a windowsill or verandah. A mix of cacti and succulent mix, rock gypsum and 7mm gravel is a good free draining growing media.

Water a few times a week when dry during the hotter months and slowly decrease watering as autumn/winter approach. They go into hibernation during winter and need to be kept dry, this also encourages flowers in the spring/summer. Watering over winter will encourage root rot and death. The cactus will tend to go a little soft over winter; this is normal and nothing to worry about.

These cacti are self-pollinating and therefore do not require a second individual to cross-pollinate, although seed set will be much higher when crossed with another individual. Fertilisers should be low in Nitrogen and higher in Potassium and Phosphorus, such as fertilisers aimed at flowering plants. Seaweed and fish emulsion are excellent for these cacti, use fortnightly to monthly in the growing season, applied at below the recommended strength. Small amounts of gypsum can be used as a rock fertiliser.

1 cactus or offset (20-45mm diameter)