Echinopsis candicans has a shrubby growth habit, with individual stems up to 60 cm (24 in) tall. The plant as a whole can be as much as 3 m (10 ft) across. The stems are light green, with a diameter of up to 14 cm (5.5 in) and have 9–11 low ribs. The large white areoles are spaced at 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) and produce brownish yellow spines, the central spines being up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long, the radial spines only up to 4 cm (1.6 in).[1]
The fragrant white flowers open at night. They are large, up to 19 cm (7.5 in) across and 18–23 cm (7.1–9.1 in) long.
- Scientific name: Echinopsis candicans (Gillies ex Salm-Dyck) D.R.Hunt
- Common Names: Argentine Giant
- Synonyms: Cereus gladiatus,Helianthocereus pseudocandicans,Echinopsis pseudocandicans,Trichocereus pseudocandicans,Trichocereus neolamprochlorus, Echinopsis courantii,Trichocereus candicans,Cereus candicans,Trichocereus courantii
- Family: Cactaceae
- Subfamily: Cactoideae
- Tribe: Trichocereeae
- Genus: Echinopsis
- Species: E. candicans
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| source pic: pinterest.com |
How to Grow and Care
If you can grow cacti and succulents successfully, you can likely grow the Echinopsis species without too much trouble. Like many cacti, they prefer a drying period between waterings, even to the point where they slightly wilt. When you water, however, you should water deeply. The plant will noticeably plump up. It's imperative that the cactus is not exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, make sure to fertilizer during the growing season for the best results.
This plant can be propagated using offsets.
These are clustered around the bottom of the mother plant and should be cut off at the most narrow part of the plant.
Allow the cuttings to dry and form a callous. This might take a few weeks and varies depending on the size of the cut.
Next plant the offsets in well-draining cactus soil.
During this phase before the cutting has taken root, keep the soil moist and in a warm environment.
It takes a few weeks for the cuttings to take root. Once they do, move the cactus to its permanent home...- Learn more at TIPS: HOW TO GROW AND CARE ECHINOPSIS
Origin: Echinopsis candicans is a species of cactus from northern and western Argentina (Monte Desert).
Links Back to genus: ECHINOPSIS
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