The spiny areoles are densely covered with numerous white hairs.

The one or two protruding, bright yellow to orange-yellow central spines are straight to slightly curved downwards and 2 to 10 cm (0.79 to 3.94 in) long.

The up to ten radiating radial spines are whitish, have a darker tip and are up to 2 cm (0.79 in) long.

The spherical fruits are yellowish green and reach a diameter of 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2.0 in).

[3] The specific epithet ritteri honors the German cactus specialist Friedrich Ritter.