• Echinocactus vaupelianus
• Echinofossulocactus spinosus f. vaupelianus
• Ferocactus vaupelianus
• Stenocactus vaupelianus

-It is native of Hidalgo (Mexico).

-Echinocactus vaupelianus is a solitary cactus with a globulary stem up to 12 cm in diameter, with a wooly apex. Its stem has 35  wavy ribs and large areoles. This species presents 1-4 central spines: they are sharp, pointing upward, yellowish or brownish. While the central spines’ lenght can reach 7 cm, radial spines are only 1-1.5 cm long: these spines can be straight or curved and almost transparent white. Flowers are usually 2,5 cm long, with pale yellow petals.

-E. vaupelianus is a slow growing cactus, very easy to grow. It doesn’t need a particular soil, but a very draining mineral potting substrate will allow the plant to grow better. Use pot with good drainage. Water adequately in summer, allowing the soil to dry in between waterings (it rot easily). Allow the plant to enter in semi-dormancy in late September by giving less water and almost no water in winter. Waterings should gradually start again in late March. Dormancy in winter makes the plant very frost tolerant, while it necesitates a bright and warm spot in summer (outside where it reaches even 30°C). Half shade is recommended to protect the plant in the hottest hour of the day.

Mature plants reach 10-20 cm max. Old plant easily dies of root disases: when the plant reaches 10 cm, repot every 2-3 years; also, putting it in a drier condition or under stronger light can help prevent diseases.

-Propagate by seed.

-E. vaupelianus’ flowers are usually “stuck” between the apical spines.