About
Echinocereus pectinatus, the comb hedgehog cactus, is a solitary or clump-forming cactus to 35 cm tall with globose or cylindrical stems bearing interlocking yellow, pink or brown spines in a distinctive, comb-like arrangement. Large, trumpet-shaped flowers to 8 cm long are produced in pink, magenta, white, lavender or yellow in spring and early summer. A beautiful and architectural cactus for a sunny, very well-drained position.
About the genus
Echinocereus are clump-forming cacti from North America and Mexico with deeply ribbed, cylindrical or globose stems bearing colourful areoles, and large, funnel-shaped flowers in spring and early summer in shades of pink, magenta, red, yellow or white. Hardy or near-hardy in a sunny, very well-drained position.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toMexico, adjacent USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a free-draining cactus compost in a warm and sunny position on a windowsill or in a greenhouse or conservatory. Water regularly in summer, less in colder months and feed with a cactus fertiliser during the summer. Repot every other year or so. Resents waterlogging and also root disturbance as roots are shallow and weak. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by offsets or by seed. Avoid disturbing the roots
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rot