Locality: Xichu, Guanajuato, México.
Description: T. alonsoi is a small geophytic solitary cactus with a large tap-root, and only the apical part of the stem exposed at soil levels.
Flowers: Cherry red to pink-magenta.
Blooming season: From March to October, mainly between April and June
Cultivation: It's a fairly easy and robust species to cultivate, but very slow growing. It needs a very well-drained soil, and requires strong sun to part sun to keep the plant compact and low and to develop a good spinal growth. Waterings should be rather infrequent to keep the plant compact, and avoid its becoming excessively elongated and unnatural in appearance. Furthermore it has a tap root, and watering it properly is often difficult, because it tends to crack open or rot if over-watered. Careful watering away from the body of the plant will allow the areoles to keep their wool. 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.
Reproduction: From seed, since the plant rarely produces plantlets, or grafted.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
| Blooming Season | Mid spring to early summer |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Pediocactus alonsoi |
| Dormancy | Summer |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower | Red |
| Frost Tolerance | -4°c |
| Growth Rate | Slow growth |
| Hardiness Zone | 9b to 11 |
| Height | Under 6 in |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Scientific Name | Turbinocarpus alonsoi |
| Shape | Spherical |
| Sun Exposure | Partial to light shade |