Thelocactus CONOTHELOS 'GARCIAE'

Thelocactus CONOTHELOS 'GARCIAE' - Garcia's conoid-tubercled thelocactus, Thelocactus conothelos 'Garciae', Torreycactus.

Thelocactus is a genus of plants in the family Cactaceae, comprising about 10 species native to central and northeastern regions of Mexico. Representatives of the genus are known for their globose or short-cylindrical shape, expressive spines, and large flowers.

Plants of this genus are solitary or sparingly clustering, with ribs or tubercles forming a geometrically distinct pattern. Areoles are equipped with numerous radial spines and one or more central spines. The flowers appear at the apex, large, funnel-shaped, in various shades. The fruits are juicy, small, and the seeds are dark with a pronounced furrowed surface.

Garcia's conoid-tubercled thelocactus is a cultivated form with a flattened-globose body up to 8 cm (3.1 in) in diameter. The surface is gray-green, covered with dense and geometrically pronounced tubercles. The spines are numerous, slender, white and light brown, forming a radial crown. The central spines are longer and curved.

It blooms in spring and early summer. The flowers are bright pink or purple, with a contrasting pale center, up to 6 cm (2.4 in) in diameter. Flowering is prolonged and abundant. The fruits are green, oval, splitting open upon ripening. The seeds are black and glossy.

The seeds are sown on the surface of a sterilized mineral substrate. Sowings are covered with glass or a transparent lid. The germination temperature is 22-26 °C (72-79 °F). Ventilation is conducted regularly.

Seedlings appear in 7-14 days, with the maximum possible germination period extending up to 25 days. Pricking out is conducted when the first spines appear. Seedlings develop steadily and establish well.

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It is placed in a sunny location. A south- or southwest-facing window is suitable. Keeping with access to direct sunlight is preferable. Ventilation and minimal air humidity are ensured. During the growth period, a temperature of 22-28 °C (72-82 °F) is maintained. In winter, keeping at 8-12 °C (46-54 °F) is recommended. Watering is carried out after complete drying of the soil. In winter, watering is stopped completely.

A mineral substrate with the addition of sand, fine pebbles, and brick grit is used. Planting is carried out in a wide, stable pot with mandatory drainage. Repotting is conducted when necessary in spring. Fertilizers are applied once every 3-4 weeks during the warm period of the year. Specialized cactus fertilizers with minimal nitrogen content are used. During the dormant period, feedings are not applied.

Formative pruning is not required. Propagation is carried out by seeds. The plant produces no offsets. Flowering is possible in the 3rd to 4th year with good care and adherence to winter dormancy conditions.