Photo of Thelocactus tulensis flower by The Ruth Bancroft Garden

Photo by The Ruth Bancroft Garden

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Thelocactus tulensis

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 4"-6"
  • W: 4"-10"

planting zones

  • 9a-11

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Thelocactus tulensis plant details

Thelocactus tulensis is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue foliage. In spring pink and white flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Thelocactus tulensis

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 4 IN - 10 IN - wide, 4 IN - 6 IN - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Thelocactus tulensis

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Thelocactus is a genus of about 12 to 15 species of globular cacti native to northeasteren Mexico, with one species extending across the border into Texas. They are generally of modest size, though the largest species may be up to 10” across (25 cm). Most are single-headed, but some are clump-forming. One kind of Thelocactus which does well at the Ruth Bancroft Garden is Thelocactus tulensis, native to the Mexican states of San Luis Potosi and Tamaulipas. These chubby cacti have spine clusters atop rounded or conical tubercles. The spine length and density varies, but the spines are never so thick as to obscure the plant body, which is green to gray-green, sometimes with a reddish tinge. Plants may be single or clumping, with heads from 4 to 7 inches across (10 – 18 cm) The flowers of Thelocactus tulensis emerge in spring at the top of the plant, with the flower color varying from white to pink to pale yellow. After the initial flush of flowering in early spring, plants often produce subsequent flushes at intervals through the spring months. The flowers are 1¼ to 2 inches or more in diameter (3 to 6 cm).

Gardening facts about Thelocactus tulensis plant

How to Grow Thelocactus tulensis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • low - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • pink
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • fuzzy

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