Echinocereus coccineus is a species of hedgehog cactus, usually clumping, it forms large colonies of up to 100 thick stems on each plant at maturity. Stems are semi-erect, dark green, up to 16 inches (40 cm) tall, up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter and can vary from almost spineless to wildly and densely spined. Spines are yellowish and turn grey after a number of years. Flowers are up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long, color ranges from near orange, scarlet, and pink to deep crimson shades. Fruiting 2-3 months after flowering.
- Scientific Name: Echinocereus coccineus Engelm.
- Common Names: Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus, Mexican Claret Cup Cactus, Arizona Hedgehog, California Hedgehog, Claret Cup Cactus, Cream Flower Hedgehog, Golden Rainbow Hedgehog
- Synonyms: Echinocereus triglochidiatus subsp. coccineus, Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. coccineus, Cereus hexaedrus, Echinocereus krausei, Echinocereus melanacanthus, Echinocereus roemeri, Mammillaria aggregata
- Family: Cactaceae
- Subfamily: Cactoideae
- Tribe: Pachycereeae
- Genus: Echinocereus
- Species: E. coccineus
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| source pic: hoghcountrygardens.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 coccineus is native to southwestern United States (Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California...)
Links
Back to genus: Echinocereus
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