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Cactus SucculentHouseplantsConservatory Greenhouse

Thelocactus bicolor

glory of Texas

A cactus with usually solitary, ribbed globose stems to 20cm in height, bearing long reddish spines and funnel-shaped rosy-purple flowers to 8cm across

Other common names
straw spine cactus
Texas pride
Synonyms
Thelocactus bicolor var. bolaensis

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Purple
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

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

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Texas to Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost in full light with low humidity. Water moderately in summer and apply a liquid fertiliser 2-3 times. Keep dry in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed or offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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