Echinopsis mamillosa var. kermesina is a solitary cactus whose globular stem can reach 8 cm in height and 12 cm in diameter; bright green in color, the body bears seventeen ribs covered with curved greyish brown stings. The peculiarity of this small globular cactus lies in its spectacular flowering: in spring or early summer solitary flowers up to 20 cm in diameter carmine color appear at the top of the plant.
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Synonyms: Echinopsis ritteri, Pseudolobivia kermesina, Echinopsis kermesina, Echinopsis herbasii, Echinopsis roseolilacina, Echinopsis silvatica
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8b to 11b: from 15 °F (−9.4 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
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| source: takoyashiki |
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 mamillosa var. kermesina is native to Bolivia.
Links
Back to genus: Echinopsis
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