Thelocactus rinconensis

RHS Plant Profile

bird's nest cactus

Synonyms

Thelocactus rinconensis var. nidulans

Cactus Succulent Houseplants

A solitary cactus with a glaucous, globose stem to 8cm tall, divided into distinct, warty tubercles. It is very variable in its spines, with some plants bearing spines to 6cm, while in other plants they are completely absent. In spring, white or pale pink funnel-shaped flowers are produced at the top of the stem

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0-0.1 metre

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0-0.1 metre
Max Height: Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H2

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Cactaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: 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: NE 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