About

A solitary, evergreen cactus with radial spines curved slightly toward the stem. New spines are reddish-pink, fading to yellow or light pink when mature. Bright pink flowers with a white throat appear in Spring, borne atop the plant from younger aeroles.

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 typeSand, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2

Plant details

Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Houseplants

Care notes

CultivationGrow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based, sandy, potting compost with added grit, in full sun. Water moderately, do not allow roots to sit in water. Do not water at all when dormant. Apply a light balanced liquid fertiliser two or three times in the growing season. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or cuttings from the mother plant
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybug, scale insect and aphid
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rot if over-watered