Homalocephala texensis
(Echinocactus texensis; Horse crippler)
Terrell County, TX
 
The plants pictured above are the ones you will receive. They are growing in a 4" pot. This low-growing, dome-shaped cactus with a dull green color has long, stout, and very sharp spines that have been known to stop horses in their tracks, thus its name. It can grow up to 12" in diameter and 8" tall, but will stay smaller if grown in a container. Its uniquely beautiful, feathery, pink, white and reddish flowers emerge in early spring. 
 
The horse crippler is one of the easier species to cultivate, and it is cold tolerant to at least 5° F. It flowers readily once established. Give it a very porous soil mix, but avoid using a lot of organic matter or the stem can become unnaturally tall. Water regularly during the summer growing season. It can take full sun but will tolerate some shade.