Turbinicarpus saueri
Description: Solitary.
Stem: Grey green depressed globose, 4 cm tall, 6 cm diameter.
Apex woolly.
Ribs: in 8 and 13 series divided in 6-sided tubercles, 5 mm long,
8 mm broad;
Areoles: Round, at the apex with very much white wool.
Radial spines: about 12-18, horizontally spread out, needle-like,
but somewhat curved down and to the body, glassy white, some with brown
tips, up to 1.5 cm long
Central spine: One (occasionally a second weaker one) strongly
curved back and/or tortuous, only somewhat thicker than the radial
spines, to 2 cm long, dark brown
Flowers: Several at the apex, funnel-shaped, white with a faint
pinkish midstripe about 15 mm long and 20 mm in diameter. Anther golden
brown.
Fruit: small and hidden in the apical wool.
Cultivation:
Robust species to cultivate.
It has a tap root, and watering it
properly is often difficult and rot if over-watered.
The fact that the plant retracts into the soil between
watering, is perfectly natural and doesn’t cause any damage. keep dry in
winter or when night temperatures remain below 10° C, it is hardy to
-4°C for a short period. Assure a good ventilation.
Exposures: Full sun where it obtains a flat natural
looking or part sun.
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