About

This very spikey cactus with cylindrical, clump-forming stems which can take on a whitish appearance due to the colour and quantity of stems. Short, tubular orange to red flowers appear in July/August.

About the genus

Echinocereus can have deeply ribbed cylindrical or globose stems, sometimes forming clumps, and large funnel-shaped flowers

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C

Plant details

Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Prairie planting

Care notes

CultivationGrow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added extra grit. Water moderately when in growth, not at all when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times in the growing season. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free