About
Echinocereus reichenbachii, the black lace cactus, is an erect, cylindrical, ribbed, spiny cactus to 35 cm tall, producing broadly trumpet-shaped, rosy-purple flowers 6�9 cm across from spring to early summer. The intricate, lace-like spination is among the most ornamental of any cactus. A beautiful specimen 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
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesBorders, containers, mixed plantings.
Native toNE Mexico, SW USA
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