Turbinicarpus alonsoi is endemic to Guanajuato, Mexico. It grows in semi-desert scrub on steep rocky calcareous slopes, in a single location of less than 10 km² near Xichú, at about 1900 m above sea level...
Turbinicarpus alonsoi also called as Pediocactus alonsoi, is a species of the genus Turbinicarpus. This species was described by Glass & S.Arias in 1996.
IDENTIFY TURBINICARPUS ALONSOI
Turbinicarpus alonsoi is endemic to Guanajuato, Mexico. It grows in semi-desert scrub on steep rocky calcareous slopes, in a single location of less than 10 km² near Xichú, at about 1900 m above sea level.
It is a is a small single cactus with a large rod root, that has flattened, spherical in shape, 6-7 in diameter (up to 9 cm in diameter) and up to 11 cm in length stem. The ribs are divided into tubercles 15 mm long and a width of 13 mm at the base. Tuberculum of triangular shape, in the upper part keeled, but concave at the base, spirally arranged, painted gray-green to grayish-blue. The areoles are covered with a reddish-brown coat, which later becomes gray. On each areola grows from three to five spines up to 20 mm in length. Spines flattened, gray, with a dark curved tip, not sharp.
This cactus blooms from March to October, most often from April to June. The flowers with a diameter of 20-30 mm and a length of 25-35 mm are cherry red to pink-purple color with a bright strip in the center of the petals and more pale margins. Pestle 15 mm long, white, rises above the stamens by 2-4 mm. The stigma of the pistil is divided into six white blades. It produces 10 mm long and 5 mm in diameter, smooth, reddish-purple, more brightly colored at the base, open with one or two longitudinal slits fruits and 1 mm long, 0.75 mm width seeds.
TURBINICARPUS ALONSOI CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
In summer, Turbinicarpus alonsoi needs bright light and warmth, it is better to grow the plant in the open air, shading it from the midday sun. If it is grow indoors, it needs a bright light and at least some direct sunlight. Bright light allows the cactus to retain a compact appearance, stimulates flowering and growth of thick wool and spines.
Substrate, growing media and repotting:
Due to its large taproot, this species requires porous soil with plenty of inorganic material such as stones and dries as quickly as possible.
Watering:
During the growing season, watering the plant must be infrequent so that the stem is not stretched too much and the cactus retains a compact appearance. In winter or when the night temperature falls below 10 ° C, the cactus should be kept dry. It is preferable to use small pots, but if the cactus grows in a larger pot, then the plant needs watering less than usual. In addition, this cactus has a long stem root, which tends to crack and decay with excessive watering, so watering often causes difficulties. Water the plant with caution, trying not to get water on the body of the cactus and the coat in the areoles.
Fertilizer:
In summer, Turbinicarpus alonsoi can be fed with high-pot fertilizer.
Rest period:
This cactus can withstand a short-term drop in temperature to -4 ° C if it is kept dry. However, it is better to maintain a temperature of at least 8-12 ° C during a rest period, while ensuring good ventilation.
Grow from seeds:
Cactus seedlings are very fragile on the first weeks and survival depends on how they are treated on that crucial stage; out of 100 of seeds in the wild only a few survive to an adult plant to produce seeds and start the cycle again. Obtaining a high percentage of adult plants from a batch of seedlings, depends on how each collector takes care of their seedlings.
Water for seedlings is the most important item to keep them growing for first few weeks. Generally, most seedlings, which are 1 week old will die after 3 days of dryness. 2 month-old seedlings can survive for 1 week if allowed to dry. 6 month-old seedlings can survive for 2 months if allowed to dry. 1 year-old seedlings can survive for 5 months if allowed to dry.
Planting instructions for 4”pot kit: First, clean with water and chlorine plastic pot, clear cover and label and wash with fresh water. Second, the soil can be sterilized for 2 hours at 120º C in an oven or a microwave but can be used without sterilization. Third, fill the pot with soil and spray with distilled, reverse osmosis or pure rainwater to let soil flatten at the top. Fourth, place to 1/8 to 1/4 inch layer of Dyna Rock or crushed sea shell extra fine on top to cover the soil making a layer between soil and seeds. Fifth, place seeds over the Dyna Rock and fine spray water the seeds well and cover with a clear cover.
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