[1] Thelocactus lausseri grows as a single, spherical or short, elongated cactus.

There are 4 central spines (occasionally 6) that are 6 to 10 cm (2.4 to 3.9 in) long, yellow to greyish, straight or slightly curved, and needle-shaped.

The flowers are 2.5 to 4.4 cm (0.98 to 1.73 in) long and wide, ranging in color from whitish to light pink with a darker central stripe.

[2] Thelocactus lausseri is found growing in shrubland on limestone and calcareous soil in the Sierra de las Ovejas, Coahuila, at elevations between 800 and 1500 meters.

The species name lausseri honors the German plant collector Alfons Lausser.