Echinocereus

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. South America. 

Description. Echinocereus is a fairly large genus of about 50 low cacti with dark green stems that branch abundantly at the base. The stems can be spherical, oblong-ovate, or cylindrical. The ribs are shallow, vertical, or spirally arranged. The spines are light, thin, and straight. The flowers are bright, very large in comparison with the size of the plant itself, and wide open. The numerous petals of echinocereus flowers often have a silky sheen. The shades of the flowers are very diverse and include white, yellow, pink, red, salmon, greenish, and burgundy. Sometimes there are cacti with very spectacular flowers of two or more tones. 

Height: Variable, depends on the specific species. Grows slowly.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

During the growing season, the usual room temperature is between 18 and 24° C. In winter, a cool dormant period at a temperature of 8 - 10° C is necessary; some species can survive short-term frosts.

Pests and diseases

Plants become unnaturally elongated when there is insufficient light. Cacti rot when over-watered, especially in winter. Mealybugs, scale insects. 

Lighting

A brightly lit location with direct sunlight for several hours each morning and evening. In the fall, place the cactus in the brightest spot possible. 

When does bloom? 

Flowering time: spring – summer.

How to care

Wilted flowers should be removed, as they can cause stem rot. If possible, take the cacti outside during the warm season.

Soil for growing

A very loose, well-drained cactus substrate with a neutral or slightly acidic pH. The drainage material should make up 30-40% of the total volume of the mixture. 

Reproduction

Seeds can be sown in spring, in a substrate with a high sand content. Seedlings are placed in a warm place, under a glass or transparent plastic cover. Lateral shoots are separated from large plants and the cut site is dried, after which they are rooted in a damp mixture of sand and peat. By grafting.

Feeding

In spring and summer, feed with fertilizers specially designed for cacti and succulents with a high potassium content, at half the concentration, monthly. In autumn and winter, do not feed - the plant needs a rest. 

Purpose

A widespread, unpretentious and abundantly flowering species.

Air humidity

There is no need to increase the humidity. In winter, keep in dry rooms. 

Soil moisture

In spring and summer, water so that the soil dries out between waterings to a depth of 3-5 cm. In autumn, reduce watering, and in the winter months, when the cacti are in a cool place, simply try not to overdry the mixture. The need for another watering at this time will be indicated by wrinkles appearing on the stems. 

Transplantation

Transplantation is carried out every 2-3 years, in spring. For planting, select clay pots with large drainage holes. After transplantation, stop watering for a week. 

Note

Echinocereus will live for several decades in indoor conditions with good care.