Echinocereus pentalophus ''Lady Finger Cactus''

Echinocereus pentalophus is a cactus native to Mexico and known in English as ladyfinger cactus. The narrow green stems, one inch or less in diameter, have 5 (sometimes 4) ribs, with evenly-spaced clusters of 4 to 7 short white or yellowish spines, one of which is a little longer and more central. The plant branches profusely, the stems growing sideways along or close to the ground, becoming several feet long, and they produce many large pink flowers - sometimes nearly 6 inches across, in late spring, followed by green fruits. There are several varieties (in Mexico) which have shorter, more upright stems.

  1. Scientific name: Echinocereus pentalophus
  2. Common name: Ladyfinger cactus, allicoche, Dog Tail
  3. Synonyms: Cereus pentalophus, Echinocereus pentalophus subsp. pentalophus, Echinocereus procumbens
  4. Family: Cactaceae
  5. Subfamily: Cactoideae
  6. Tribe: Pachycereeae
  7. Genus: Echinocereus
  8. Species: E. pentalophus


source pic: llifle.com

 Hardiness:
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).


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 pentalophus is native to North America.

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Back to genus: ECHINOCEREUS
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