About
Echinocereus pentalophus, the ladyfinger cactus, is a sprawling and prostrate, clump-forming cactus to 20 cm tall with cylindrical, 4- to 8-ribbed stems and radial spines. In early summer it bears many bright-pink, 10 cm flowers. One of the most free-flowering of the hedgehog cacti.
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
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesHouseplants, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toSW USA
Care notes
CultivationGrow in cactus compost in full light. From midspring to early autum water moderately and apply a half-strength balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; keep completely dry at other times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed at 21°C in spring; separate offsets or take stem cuttings in spring or summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free