Echinomastus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin: South America. 

Description. The genus consists of 5-9 species of low solitary cacti. Echinomastus have a dark green spherical or slightly elongated ovoid stem. Very rarely, these cacti form lateral shoots. The ribs are vertical, numerous. The spines are long, strong, straight, depending on the species, they can be light, almost white, lilac or maroon, sticking out or bent along the stem. The stems of these cacti are often completely hidden by dense spines. The flowers are funnel-shaped, red, pink, cream or even brownish, often do not open completely due to numerous spines.

Height. 10 - 25 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Prefers rather dry and very warm conditions. In winter months the temperature can be slightly lowered to 8 - 12° C. The plant needs a cool period of rest in winter for abundant flowering.

Lighting

Echinomastus is suitable for growing on sunny windowsills, but tolerates light shade in summer. Lack of light leads to growth retardation and distortion of shape.

Care

This cactus is difficult to grow indoors and rots easily when overwatered, so it is hardly suitable for beginner cactus growers. 

Substrate

The soil should easily pass water and air, pH about 5.6. A mixture of leaf humus, turf soil with a large amount of coarse river sand or perlite to improve drainage and small pieces of charcoal is suitable. You can use a ready-made mineral substrate for cacti and succulents. The mixture should contain up to half the volume of river sand or other drainage material. 

Feeding

Feed monthly with fertilizers for cacti and succulents with a high content of potassium, calcium and phosphorus. The fertilizer is diluted to half the recommended dose and applied in spring and summer. During the dormant period, cacti are not fed.

Flowering time

In summer, however, echinomastus blooms only with proper care. 

Air humidity

It does not require high air humidity, however, in the winter months, spraying can replace watering.

Soil moisture

Water in spring and summer until the soil ball is completely wet, be sure to remove excess water that has accumulated in the tray after watering. The soil should be dried between waterings. In the autumn-winter period, water very carefully - only to avoid drying out the soil ball. 

Transplantation

Replant as needed in spring, before flowering. Adult specimens are replanted every 2-3 years. The root system is shallow, so a small bowl is suitable for planting.

Reproduction

It is quite difficult to propagate by seeds - germination takes a long time and the percentage of germination is low. Seedlings often die before reaching maturity. By grafting. 

Pests and diseases

Rot occurs due to overwatering and insufficient air circulation.

Red spider mites, mealybugs, thrips and aphids sometimes appear.

Note

Be careful when handling the plant - it has long and sharp thorns.