Echinocereus dasyacanthus – Texas Rainbow Cactus

Echinocereus dasyacanthus plants are usually found with a single stem or 2-3 basal branches. Though it is not uncommon to find plants with 3-10 stems. The stems of Texas rainbow cactus are between 11–24 cm long and 5.5–7 cm wide and usually have 15-18 ribs. The spines usually overlap making the stem not visible. There is a great amount of variation in the spines characteristics. There are typically 4-12 central spines that are .5-1.2 cm long and 14-25 radial spines that are .7–2 cm long. The basic coloration of the spines are tan to yellow to pink. Some spines may be ashy-white to reddish brown, but that is less common.
  • Scientific name: Echinocereus dasyacanthus Engelm
  • Common name: Yellow Pitaya, Yellow-Flowered Pitaya, Texas Rainbow, Texas Rainbow Cactus, Texas Rainbow Hedgehog, Spiny Hedgehog Cactus, Golden Rainbow Hedgehog, 
  • Synonyms: Echinocereus pectinatus var. dasyacanthus, Cereus dasyacanthus, Cereus ctenoides, Echinocereus hildmannii, Echinocereus steereae
  • Family: Cactaceae
  • Subfamily: Cactoideae
  • Tribe: Pachycereeae
  • Genus: Echinocereus
  • Species: E. dasyacanthus

source pic: pinterest.com

How to Grow and Care

If you can successfully grow other globular cacti, you can most likely grow Echinocereus well. One of the key factors in success with these is avoiding any hint of wet soil. Because their root systems are weak, they are especially prone to root rot, which will eventually kill your plant. Otherwise, they thrive on a program of strong, bright light; slight water; and a steady diet of light fertilizer. Echinocereus is vulnerable to mealybugs and aphids...- Learn more at  TIPS: HOW TO GROW AND CARE FOR ECHINOCEREUS


Growing Conditions

Light: Echinocereus need bright light to perform their best. If you can provide nearly full sun, as in a western window, they will appreciate it. Plants that are grown in dim conditions are unlikely to flower well and will not thrive. Although these are cold tolerant, most of the popular species need relatively warm temperatures to grow their best.

Water: Good drainage is essential for health. During the summer, water the cactus every two weeks or slightly less often, depending on how moist the soil remains. In the winter rest period, cut watering back to once a month, or in humid areas, not at all.

Fertilizer: During the summer, regular doses of a cactus fertilizer will help it grow its best. Use diluted fertilizer for best results.

Soil: A typical cactus mix is perfect. Some references say these plants can handle a slightly richer soil than other types of cactus, but it's never a bad idea to err on the side of caution.


Origin:
Echinocereus dasyacanthus. Native to Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

Hardiness:
hardiness zones: 8b to 10b: from 15 °F (−9.4 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).



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