Description of Pelecyphora pseudopectinata
Scientific Name: Pelecyphora pseudopectinata (Backeberg) C. Glass and R.A. Foster, (Kakteenkunde,
5: 98, 1935); CSJ (Am) 49 (4): 175-176, 1977, 1935;
Conservation Status: Listed in CITES
appendix I
Recommended Temperature
Zone: USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F) up to USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Pelecyphora
pseodopectinata is
the jewelry of the genus, dwarfed by its beautiful and huge flower. Flowers can
be expected on seedlings of only 1.5 cm
in diameter, while the flower is 4
cm long. With its small size, beautiful spination and easy growing habit,
Turbinicarpus pseudopectinatus is a welcome addition to any greenhouse.
Description:
Solitary, globular depressed, 20-30mm high, 20-35mm
wide green-violet Usually solitary small cactus with many small
spirally-arranged tubercles tipped with numerous tiny white spines in a comb
like formation. The whitish coloring of the pant is due to spines rather than
wool.
Growth Habits: Solitary, dull green stem, 1.2 inches tall (3 cm), 1.6 inches in diameter (4 cm), barely showing above the ground; apex with short
white hair; each tubercle tipped by numerous white pectinate spines, 1.2 mm long.
Stem: Solitary, globular depressed, 20-30mm high, 20-35mm
wide green-violet.
Root- Taproot.
Blooming Habits Mid Spring, Bloom Color: Pale Pink,
White/Near White
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Cultivation: This is a fairly easy species to cultivate. It needs a very
well-drained soil. Strong sun to part sun is required, in order to develop good
spinal growth. Watering should be rather infrequent, to keep the plant compact
and not become excessively elongated and unnatural in appearance. Keep dry in
winter or when night temperatures remain below 10° C, it is hardy to -4°C for a short period. Assure good
ventilation.
Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Propagation Methods: From seed;
direct sow after last frost
By grafting
Seed Collecting Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean
and dry seeds Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Other Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not over water
This plant may be considered a protected species; check before digging or
gathering seeds
Suitable for growing in containers
