Turbinicarpus SCHMIEDICKEANUS 'KLINKERIANUS'

Turbinicarpus SCHMIEDICKEANUS 'KLINKERIANUS' - Klinker's Schmiedicke turbinicarpus, Turbinicarpus schmiedickeanus klinkerianus.

Turbinicarpus is a genus of dwarf cacti in the family Cactaceae, comprising about 30 species growing predominantly in central and northeastern Mexico. These cacti are renowned for their slow growth, unusual appearance, and remarkable endurance.

The plants are most often solitary, globose or short-cylindrical, with tubercular bumps instead of ribs. The areoles are small, the spines are diverse in shape and arrangement, often ornamental. The flowers are large relative to the plant's size, located at the apex. The fruits are small, hidden within stem tissues. The seeds are small, black.

Klinker's Schmiedicke turbinicarpus is a subspecies with globose dark green stems up to 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 in) in diameter. The tubercles are spirally arranged, the areoles are small, and the spines are whitish or brownish, thin, curved backwards, often pressed tightly against the body. The root is thickened, turnip-like.

It flowers in spring and early summer. The flowers are white or cream with a pink stripe along the center of the petals, up to 3 cm (1.2 in) in diameter. The fruits are small, green, inconspicuous, and the seeds are black, rounded. Flowering is possible even in very young specimens.

Seeds are presoaked for 24 hours in a weak solution of potassium permanganate, then sown on the surface of shallow containers with mineral substrate. The plantings are covered with a lid. Germination temperature is 22-26 °C (72-79 °F), and regular airing is conducted.

Sprouts appear in 10-20 days. The maximum germination period is up to 30 days. Picking is carried out approximately after a month upon the appearance of the first spines. Young seedlings require gentle handling and are gradually transitioned to drier conditions, increasing light levels without allowing sunburn.

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It is placed on south or southwest windows. Bright sunlight and dry air are required. It is important to provide good ventilation and protection from rain or waterlogging.

During the growing season, the temperature is maintained at 22-28 °C (72-82 °F). In winter - 5-10 °C (41-50 °F) under complete dormancy. Watering is carried out infrequently, only after the substrate dries out completely. In winter, it is not watered at all.

A mineral substrate with a limestone fraction, fine gravel, and sand is used. Repotting is carried out infrequently, no more than once every 3-4 years. The taproot is not buried deep. Drainage is mandatory.

Fertilizer is applied once every 5-6 weeks with a weak solution of cactus fertilizer. Nitrogen is completely excluded. During the winter period, feeding is not applied.

Pruning is not required. Propagation is carried out by seeds. Flowering is possible from 2-3 years under favorable conditions. Offsets, if they appear, root rarely.