Description
Echinopsis spachiana grows as a cactus with a columnar habit, reaching up to 7 feet (2 m) high, with a diameter of up to 2.4 inches (6 cm). Vertical branches arise from the base of the plant. Each column has 10–15 rounded ribs. The large areoles are up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) apart, and have wavy yellow hairs. The straight spines are red-yellow initially, fading to white as they age. The central spine is up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) long, and is surrounded by 8 to 10 smaller radial spines that are up to 0.4 inch (1 cm) in length. The white flowers are up to 6 inches (15 cm) across and up to 8 inches (20 cm) long, part of which is an 3 inches (7.5 cm) long tube. In their native habitat, the flowers appear in June–July and open at night.
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.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a cacti, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot.
See more at: How to Grow and Care for Echinopsis.
