Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Cactus SucculentHouseplants

Thelocactus macdowellii
  • RHS AGM

A spherical cactus to 10cm, with conical, warty tubercles each bearing a white wooly areole from which white spines arise. In spring, funnel-shaped pink flowers to 6cm across are borne near the top of the stem

Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Pink
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Thelocactus are cacti with ribbed, spiny, globose or shortly cylindrical stems and large funnel-shaped flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
N. E. Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in standard cactus compost in full light with low humidity. When in growth, water moderately and apply a low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly; keep dry in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to stem and root rots if overwatered

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.