Plant type: cactus.
- Origin: South America.
- Temperature range: 10-24°C.
- Humidity level: moderate.
- Growing environment: greenhouse or room conditions.
Description: Echinopsis is often used to breed hybrid varieties, and its homeland is in the lowlands of Peru. As you know, the weather in this region is cool, it rains from time to time and there are practically no frosts. These cacti also grow well in warmer climates, but then they need some shade to protect them from the scorching sun on hot summer days. Unlike southern and western plants of this species, Echinopsis cactus prefers regular fertilization during the warm months, and should also be constantly watered. During the winter months, they are semi-dormant and grow slowly, and care for them at this time is practically not required. In winter, you only need to ensure that the soil is slightly moist and not completely dry. They do not tolerate frost, and therefore, if you live in a cold region, cacti must be brought indoors or into a greenhouse during the cold season. Unlike their close relatives that grow in the desert, they are easy to carry in containers, as most of them are slow growing, and they reach a height of 10 to 30 cm when mature. There are also taller specimens, but, as a rule, usually all plants reach about this size. Thus, in a container of about 15 cm or a little more, they are quite easy to carry and do not take up much space. Sometimes they are planted in pots and placed near a brightly lit window, such conditions are quite acceptable for this flower.
Echinopsis – flowering
This cactus has very bright flowers, especially Echinopsis hybrid is famous for this. Echinopsis, whose flowering is very showy, forms flowers that are often larger in size than the cactus itself.
Echinopsis – care
Lighting: It is necessary that the plant receives several hours of direct sunlight per day, and in temperate climates, full sunlight can be allowed throughout the day. The flower will also grow well in a slightly shady location. It is desirable to water after sunset with warm water.
Soil type: Echinopsis, which is not so difficult to care for, grows well in soil that contains sand and gravel. The soil should not contain any woody products, such as tree bark. There must be a hole in the pot.
Watering: Echinopsis species prefer frequent watering during the warmer months, but they are also tolerant of drought for a short time, the most important thing is to make sure that the soil does not become completely dry. In winter, water only as much as the cactus needs so that it does not die.
Fertilizers: Echinopsis will grow well if you fertilize once every two weeks.
Pests: This cactus is not usually attacked by any harmful insects.
Usage: These plants look great in containers. Small cacti can be started in 10-15 cm pots. Echinopsis eirieza is especially beautiful. It should be borne in mind that good ventilation is desirable for all types of this cactus.
Echinopsis – reproduction
It is carried out due to lateral processes that appear near the soil or slightly lower. They grow from the mother trunk. Echinopsis, which does not present any particular difficulty in reproduction, sometimes forms lateral shoots a little higher, and they do not have roots. In this case, they can be cut off only when they reach more than 2 cm in diameter. You can then plant them in soil to root. This plant can also be propagated by seeds.