Miniature Barrel Cactus

Thelocactussetispinus

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Thelocactus (thel-oh-KAK-tus)
Species
setispinus (set-AY-spin-us)
Synonym
Ferocactus setispinus
Echinocactus setispinus
Hamatocactus setispinus
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Magenta (pink-purple)
Pale Yellow
Bright Yellow
Lavender
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Mesa, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

Santa Maria, California

Vacaville, California

Tampa, Florida

Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Austin, Texas

Brownsville, Texas

Dallas, Texas

Kingsbury, Texas

Pearsall, Texas

Portland, Texas

South Jordan, Utah

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Gardener's Notes:

5
positives
1
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
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M
Austin, TX | February 2016 | positive

I have seen Thelocactus setispinus growing in its native habitat in zone 7b. So I would say the hardiness for this plant should be updat...Read More

H
Oklahoma City, OK | May 2014 | positive

This cactus has survived outside in a raised cactus bed for almost 3 years here in OKC without any problem...

L
Escondido, CA | September 2010 | positive

I believe this is the cactus that I had grown when I was little. It has nice fragrant. The flowers will be close at night. I don't know h...Read More

F
Josephine, Arlington, TX (Zone 8a) | October 2006 | neutral

Miniature Barrel Cactus, Thelocactus setispinus, is Endemic to Texas.

B
Brownsville, TX (Zone 9b) | July 2005 | positive

I was suprised to come upon about a two thousand square foot tract of Mesquite regrowth brush with hundreds of these small septispinus gr...Read More

P
Acton, CA (Zone 8b) | July 2004 | positive

great flowers on the US/Mexican species- comes in all sorts of colors in summer. Must have at least 20 synonyms (couldn't begin to name ...Read More

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