Thelocactus Setispinus
Contents
Description
Thelocactus Setispinus, also known as the “compass cactus,” is a small cactus species belonging to the Cactaceae family. It is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico and can grow up to 5 inches in height and 3 inches in diameter. The plant has a cylindrical, ribbed stem with spines arranged in a circular pattern, resembling a compass. It produces pink or purple flowers that bloom in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Thelocactus |
| Species | Setispinus |
Appearance
The Thelocactus Setispinus has a unique appearance, with its cylindrical, ribbed stem and spines arranged in a circular pattern. The stem can grow up to 5 inches in height and 3 inches in diameter. The spines are thin and needle-like, ranging in color from white to yellow to brown. The plant produces pink or purple flowers that bloom in the summer and are about 1 inch in diameter. The flowers are followed by small, spherical fruits that contain seeds.
Care Guide
Thelocactus Setispinus is a low-maintenance plant, but it still requires proper care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this cactus species:- Water: Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a cactus-specific fertilizer.- Soil: Plant the Thelocactus Setispinus in a well-draining soil mix. You can use a commercial cactus mix or create your own by mixing sand, perlite, and peat moss in equal parts.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sunlight, so place it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Thelocactus Setispinus is hardy in USDA zones 9a to 11b.
Common Pests & Diseases
Thelocactus Setispinus is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be affected by some common problems. Here are some of the pests and diseases to watch out for:- Mealybugs: These small, white insects can infest the plant and cause damage. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them.- Scale insects: These small, brown insects can also infest the plant and cause damage. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them.- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die. To avoid this problem, allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Habitat
Thelocactus Setispinus is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico, where it grows in rocky and sandy areas. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Thelocactus Setispinus be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors as long as it receives plenty of sunlight.
Q: How often should I water Thelocactus Setispinus?
A: Water the plant sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Q: What is the best soil mix for Thelocactus Setispinus?
A: Plant the Thelocactus Setispinus in a well-draining soil mix. You can use a commercial cactus mix or create your own by mixing sand, perlite, and peat moss in equal parts.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Thelocactus Setispinus?
A: Thelocactus Setispinus is hardy in USDA zones 9a to 11b.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Thelocactus genus:- Thelocactus bicolor- Thelocactus conothelos- Thelocactus hexaedrophorus- Thelocactus leucanthus- Thelocactus macdowellii
References
– “Thelocactus Setispinus.” World of Succulents. Accessed October 14, 2021. https://worldofsucculents.com/thelocactus-setispinus-compass-cactus/.- “Thelocactus Setispinus.” Cactus Art. Accessed October 14, 2021. https://cactus-art.biz/schede/THELOCATUS/THELOCATUS_setispinus/THELOCATUS_setispinus.htm.
