The cacti tend to live for many years and have a slow growth rate.
They are best planted in the spring once the weather has warmed.
Here are the main care requirements for an Echinocereus cactus.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
They can tolerate a bit of shade, but this can reduce flowering.
When grown as a houseplant, place your Echinocereus cactus by your brightest window.
A south-facing window is best.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Soil
Loose, sandy soil with sharp drainage is recommended for Echinocereus cacti.
Forcontainer plants, a potting mix made specifically for cacti and succulents will provide ideal growing conditions.
Water
Water needs vary somewhat among the Echinocereus species.
The Echinocereus genus boasts globular and cylindrical cacti with beautiful flowers.Photo © Enez35/Flickr
But in general, these cacti dont need much moisture to thrive.
So be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.
Water roughly every two weeks from spring to fall unless your plant has received rainfall.
ChuckSchugPhotography / Getty Images
Over the winter, reduce watering to monthly.
Temperature and Humidity
Temperature preferences vary among Echinocereus species.
Many of the cacti are quite tolerant to cold and even freezing temperatures.
Maria_Ermolova / Getty Images
In general, they thrive in indoor temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity typically isnt an issue for them as long as they have adequate soil drainage.
Propagating Echinocereus Cactus
Echinocereus can be propagated either through offsets or by seed.
Select a reasonably shallow container, as the cacti dont have deep roots.
Because these cacti grow slowly, they wont needrepottingoften.
Overwintering
Overwintering an indoor Echinocereus cactus is essential if you want your cactus to bloom.
Also, its flesh may change colors to indicate reduced chlorophyll which usually occurs in winter.
There are a few things to know to get to promote as many blooms as possible.
They occasionally bloom at other times in the year.
How Long Does Echinocereus Cactus Bloom?
Younger cacti may only have one round of blooms in a single season.
More mature Echinocereus plants will produce multiple rounds of flowers during the growing season.
What Do Echinocereus Cactus Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Echinocerus species feature showy cup-shape or funnelform blooms that carry a sweet scent.
They feature warm hues such as red, magenta, yellow, and bright pink.
If growing indoors, ensure it’s in your sunniest window.
Consider using a supplemental grow light to ensure bright light for at least six hours.
Also, cacti prefer a temperature variation from day to night, similar to their native environment.
Overwinter it in a cool, dry place for at least 60 days.
Water once a month and do not give any additional fertilizer for the rest of the growing season.
Deadheading Echinocereus Flowers
Deadhead Echinocereus flowers as needed.
Common Problems With Echinocereus Cactus
Most cacti are easy growers, requiring little maintenance.
Pests and diseases are rare, but they can occur.
If you notice any brown or blackened roots, using sterilized scissors, cut them off.
If the bottom of the stem is brown or blackened, it’s likely not recoverable and needs disposal.
It may need water more frequently if kept indoors, especially if it’s dry or hot.
As long as it’s not mushy, the plant should recover.
Keep the plant watered but not saturated.
In proper indoor conditions, they can live for at least 10 years.
Put your plant near a south-facing window.
You want to give it as much strong sunlight as possible.
Expect slow but consistent growth each year for plants in ideal conditions.
Cacti as Landscape Plants.
UC Master Gardeners of Butte County.
The Virginia Master Gardener Handbook.
Colorado State University Extension.
Insect Pests of Cacti and Succulents Grown as Houseplants.
Problems and Pests of Agave, Aloe, Cactus and Yucca.
University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus coccineus).
United States Forest Service.
