Echinocereus engelmannii is a highly variable cactus species.It usually grows in clusters, sometimes up to 20 and more stems. The flowers are borne at the upper half to one third of the stem. They are funnelform in shape, up to 3.5 inches (8.9 centimetres) long with dark-green stigmas. The stems are initially cylindrical and erect in young plants, but later with the stem base lying on the ground. The stems are usually 1.5 to 3.5 inches (3.8 to 8.9 centimetres) in diameter and up to 25 inches (64 centimetres) high, and obscured by heavy spines. The plants have around 10 ribs, which are somewhat flattened and tuberculate. Radial spines are shorter and needlelike, up to 0.8 inches (2.0 centimetres) long, white and arranged in a neat rosette. Central spines number 2 to 7 and are stout, usually twisted or angular, up to 3 inches (7.6 centimetres) long and variable in color: bright yellow, dark brown, grey, and white.
How to Grow and Care
If you can successfully grow other globular cactus, 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. These cacti are vulnerable to mealybugs and aphids.
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 Engelmannii is native to California, is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America.
Propagation: Echinocereus can be propagated either through offsets or by seed. To take an offset, remove the small plantlet, then let dry until callous forms on the cut. Carefully plant the cutting in a cactus soil and keep warm and just barely moist under new growth emerges. These plants can also be reproduced from seed. Plant the seeds in a shallow mix and keep them warm and slightly damp. Germination takes place in about two weeks.
- ALSO READ some more info HOW TO GROW AND CARE FOR ECHINOCEREUS
- Scientific name: Echinocereus engelmannii (Parry ex Engelm.)
- Common names:Varied-spines Hedgehog, Strawberry Hedgehog, Purple-spined Hedgehog Cactus, Neddle-spine Hedgehog, Munz's Hedgehog Cactus, Indian Strawberry Cactus, Howe Hedgehog, Engelmann's Hedgehog, Dagger-spine Hedgehog, Calico Cactus, Engelmann´s Hedgehog Cactus, Strawberry Cactus, Strawberry hedgehog cactus, Hedgehog Cactus
- Synonyms: Cereus engelmannii, Echinocereus chrysocentrus, Echinocereus munzii...
- Family: Cactaceae
- Subfamily: Cactoideae
- Tribe: Pachycereeae
- Species: E. engelmannii
- Genus: Echinocereus
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| source pic: de.wikipedia.org |
How to Grow and Care
If you can successfully grow other globular cactus, 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. These cacti are vulnerable to mealybugs and aphids.
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 Engelmannii is native to California, is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America.
Propagation: Echinocereus can be propagated either through offsets or by seed. To take an offset, remove the small plantlet, then let dry until callous forms on the cut. Carefully plant the cutting in a cactus soil and keep warm and just barely moist under new growth emerges. These plants can also be reproduced from seed. Plant the seeds in a shallow mix and keep them warm and slightly damp. Germination takes place in about two weeks.
- ALSO READ some more info HOW TO GROW AND CARE FOR ECHINOCEREUS
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| source pic: llifle.com |
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| source pic: calflora.org |
