Echidnopsis

Family. Asclepiadaceae.

Origin: South Africa. 

Description. A small genus of succulent plants that resemble cacti in appearance. Echidnopsis is characterized by cylindrical, abundantly branching stems of green, reddish or brown shades. The stems have shallow longitudinal ribs consisting of individual tubercles. At the tops of the tubercles are areoles, which sometimes bear short light spines at the top. Flowers can appear on any part of the stem and have thick, fleshy petals in shades of yellow, brown, burgundy, pink, orange. Unfortunately, the buds of many species have an unpleasant odor. Some species of echidnopsis bear small leaves.

Height. Shoots reach 15 - 40 cm in length.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

During the growing season, the optimum temperature is considered to be 18 - 28 °C. In the winter months, the plant needs a period of rest in a cool room with a temperature of 12 - 14 °C. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 10 °C.

Lighting

Echidnopsis is very light-loving and can only be shaded during hot daytime hours; the rest of the time it will happily bathe in the sun's rays.

Care

The succulent should be gradually adapted to any changes in the external environment - it does not like sudden changes in conditions. Do not move the pot to a new place during the flowering period - the bush will shed its buds.

Substrate

Loose and nutritious soil with a high organic content in the form of peat, leaf humus. Perlite or coarse sand is used to improve drainage.

Feeding

In the spring, when growth begins, feed with water-soluble fertilizers every month until autumn. 

Purpose

A beautifully flowering ornamental plant, echidnopsis is ideal for vertical landscaping of spacious and bright rooms.

Flowering time

Blooms in the warm season - late spring - summer. Buds readily form indoors.

Air humidity

There is no need to increase air humidity - succulents are adapted to dry conditions and suffer more from excess moisture. In autumn and winter, when echidnopsis is kept in a cool place, the air in the room should be especially dry. 

Soil moisture

Water so that the soil dries out before each subsequent watering to a depth of 3-5 cm. Keep the substrate evenly moist, but not waterlogged during the growing season. For watering, use softened water at room temperature. In autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced, and in winter, the soil should be almost dry. 

Transplantation

Replanting is carried out annually, if necessary in the spring, before flowering. Echidnopsis has many small roots and takes a long time to recover from damage to the root system - use the transshipment method. For large specimens, replace the top layer of soil with fresh soil every year. The bushes prefer slightly cramped living conditions - do not rush to change the size of the pot. Choose unglazed clay pots for planting, the walls of which allow moisture and air to pass through.

Reproduction

Propagated by stem cuttings about 10 cm long, in spring and summer. The cut site is dried for several days. Young seedlings are covered with glass to maintain uniform humidity and placed in a warm place without access to direct sunlight. Rooting occurs within 2 - 2.5 months. Seeds.

Pests and diseases

Echidnopsis sheds its buds when changing location. Flowering will not occur if there is insufficient light.

The main pests are spider mites and mealybugs.

Note

The bush is poisonous and should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.