Turbinicarpus KRAINZIANUS 'MINIMUS'

Turbinicarpus KRAINZIANUS 'MINIMUS' - Krainz's turbinicarpus 'Minimus', Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele subsp. krainzianus.

A rare collectible cactus!

Turbinicarpus is a genus of plants in the cactus family (Cactaceae), numbering approximately 25 taxa. In some systems, the number of taxa is expanded through the inclusion of the genera Gymnocactus, Neolloydia, and Pediocactus.

Members of the genus include a group of small, inconspicuous, mimicking plants that live predominantly in the Chihuahuan Desert in north-central Mexico. Due to their inconspicuousness, various species and varieties were discovered only relatively recently - all known species were found in the last 50 years.

Species of this genus form a distinct, very narrowly defined group. The shape of the stem resembles the shape of a lophophora stem with very soft, flattened bodies that vary in color from grayish- to bluish-green to brown. Their large taproots, tapering downward, penetrate deep into the ground. Spines in almost all cases develop in the form of paper-like, hair-like, or feathery structures, often very variable, and usually serve more as camouflage for the plants than as defense.

The fruits are round in the shape of a spinning top, hence the name of the genus. These are bare, smooth, matte berries that split or burst with a longitudinal slit, whereupon the seeds can fall out. Turbinicarpus fruits, having a dirty color, are probably not eaten as actively by birds or mammals as the conspicuous red fruits of many miniature cacti, which would normally promote wider distribution of the plants.

Dispersal is carried out mainly by ants and wind, as well as by rain washing seeds away, which leads only to a limited range of distribution. In colonies that arise in this way, variations are hardly encountered. They develop quickly from seed, and even in cultivation, if there is more than one specimen for cross-pollination, they are soon surrounded by small seedlings.

Small Krainz's turbinicarpus is a miniature cactus with numerous star-like brown spines on a gray stem lacking side shoots. The apex is covered with white hairs. Attenuated brownish-yellow rib spines are curved upward. Flowers are creamy-white, fruits brownish-gray.

Seeds are presoaked for 24 hours in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, then sown superficially, without burying, into a cactus mix diluted halfway with sand. They are moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light at a temperature of 20-25 °C (68-77 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of sowings.

Some species begin germinating already the next day, others - after a week. Pricking out is recommended after a month. After this procedure, it is important to increase the lighting level, avoiding sunburn.

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Turbinicarpuses are light-loving plants. Although they prefer sunlight, they also feel very good under fluorescent lamps.

Cacti are not spoiled with moisture in nature, so indoor water treatments should also be restricted. They are watered carefully and moderately in spring and autumn twice a month, in summer - once every 10 days. They overwinter in a dry regime, in a cool place. Abundant and frequent waterings are fatal to the plants.

Fertilize no more than twice during the growing season. It is important to use special fertilizers for cacti.

They can be grown both in individual deep containers and in shared containers. They do not need nutrient-rich soil; the main requirement for the substrate is air and water permeability. In addition to bottom drainage, it is recommended to arrange top drainage by covering the surface with pebbles, granite, or marble chips.

Young plants are repotted every spring after emerging from the dormant period. Adults - much less frequently. The soil must be steamed to prevent the appearance of root mealybug.