About Turbinicarpus alonsoi Glass & S.Arias
Turbinicarpus alonsoi Glass & S.Arias is a solitary-growing cactus with spherical bodies 6 to 9 centimeters in diameter and a poorly developed taproot. Its flattened, triangular cusps reach up to 1.5 centimeters long and 1.3 centimeters wide. Each cusp produces 3 to 5 flattened, cardboard-like gray spines that have darker tips, and grow up to 2 centimeters long. This species bears magenta flowers that measure 2.5 to 3.8 centimeters long and 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter. Its reddish to dark purple fruits are 1 centimeter long and 0.5 centimeters in diameter. Turbinicarpus alonsoi is widespread in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, where its natural habitat is hot deserts. The species is easy to grow in cultivation. Although it has a poorly developed taproot, it requires porous soil with plenty of inorganic material such as stones, that dries as quickly as possible. Water this cactus infrequently, and only when it is dry. It prefers full sun to part shade, which encourages slow, compact and steady growth during the spring and summer months. Keep the plant dry during its winter quiescent period to prevent rot.
