To plant, remove the cactus from the container and place in a dry and shady location to dry out the roots. The sm… Drought resistant. It intensifies empathetic perceptions, bringing us closer to nature. Especially utilized during Summer. Growing and Caring for the Christmas Cactus. Unlike its cousin plants requiring a lot of effort to grow and care for, Echinocereus cacti rarely grow over a foot tall and only a few inches in width. During the winter months, give the plants a bright, cool, and frost-free home. Ferocactus They can grow very large, up to 10 feet tall (3 meters) tall and 3 feet (0.9 meters) wide. The important thing is to know when to prune and where to prune. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. To plant, remove the cactus from the container and place in a dry and shady location to dry out the roots. 0. This happens every year or so. Let the plant sit and dry for about a week. By entering your email address you agree to receive a daily email newsletter from Plant Care Today. The name comes from the Ancient Greek ἐχῖνος (echinos), meaning "hedgehog", and the Latin cereus meaning "candle". Blooming in mid-spring, this outstanding species has a profusion of scarlet, hummingbird-attracting flowers held over a mound of tight clustering stems. In fact, this cactus plant thrives in rocky or gravelly soil. Hedgehog cactus, (genus Echinocereus), genus of about 60 species of cacti (family Cactaceae), native from central Mexico to the western United States. Echinocereus dasyacanthus (Texas Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus) Echinocereus triglochidiatus White Sands (White Sands Giant Claret Cup Cactus) Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus rigidissimus) is a stunning Southwestern native barrel cactus renowned for its huge magenta and yellow, early summer flowers and the tight growing pink and white spines. Propagating Echinocereus depends on the plant variety. Attractive flowers appear in April and May, varying in color from coral pink, to reddish purple, scarlet, or intense orange. One of the key factors in success with these is avoiding any hint of wet soil. The plant is generally easy to care for and does not require too much grooming or maintenance. Widely praised as one of the easiest cacti to grow, claret cup cactus is known by many different common names across its native range. Even then, be careful to let the soil dry out between watering. The hedgehog plant name comes from the Greek ‘echinos’ meaning porcupine. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. Overwatering can lead to crown and root rot – especially in the winter months. The hedgehog cactus, Echinocereus (ek-in-oh-KER-ee-us) is a ribbed, cylindrical cactus plant and part of the family Cactaceae and genus Echinocereus. Scientifically known as Echinocereus rigidissimus, the rainbow cactus plant has several common names including Arizona rainbow hedgehog cactus and Sonoran rainbow cactus. Echinocereus rigidissimus rubrispinus (rainbow hedgehog cactus) is one of the prettiest hedgehogs you'll ever lay eyes on. These plants can take full sun and will thrive in it provided they get enough water. When it blooms, you will enjoy light red to dark red flowers. … are the more globular varieties with flowers that range widely from pink and white to grayish-blue and yellow. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Echinocereus comes in many varieties all of different colors, shapes, and sizes. Radial spines number from 14 to 17, central spines from four to eight. Pink tends to predominate as the flower ages. Echinocereus is a genus of ribbed, usually small to medium-sized, cylindrical cacti, comprising about 70 species native to the southern United States and Mexico in very sunny, rocky places. USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).. How to Grow and Care. On the other hand, green and less spiny varieties enjoy lots of water. The rest of us can try growing claret cup cacti as summer patio plants or indoor specimens. As with most cacti species, it is essential to handle the hedgehog cactus with care to avoid getting pricked by its many spines. The flowers bloom for about a week and have no fragrance. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be The hedgehog cactus is one of the cactus varieties that features bright-colored flowers. This type of cactus does not respond well to compacted soil that doesn't drain well, or soil that is too fertile. Carefully remove them with a toothpick and make sure to wipe down the plant. These are tiny insects that suck the plant juices from the roots causing the plant to turn pale. Learn more about them in this article. Beautiful deep rose flowers to 4" in diameter with white centers appear in late spring. 0. Letting the plant rest allows any tears in the roots to heal, and prevents the growth of bacteria and fungus. The hedgehog cactus, Echinocereus (ek-in-oh-KER-ee-us) is a ribbed, cylindrical cactus plant and part of the family Cactaceae and genus Echinocereus. General care information. Copyright© One of the most beautiful cactus (in my opinion) is the Echinocereus rigidissimus. Most Echinocereus have large flowers and green stigma lobes. The hedgehog plant name comes from the Greek ‘echinos’ meaning porcupine. So what is a claret cup cactus? This type of cactus does not respond well to compacted soil that doesn't drain well, or soil that is too fertile. suggestions. Plants not placed in well-lit environments may have difficulty blooming. Echinocereus can live for years (like the Cephalocereus Old Man Cactus) and are good to go all year around. Hedgehog cacti require full sun to thrive and may be grown in Sunset Climate Zones 2, 3, 7 1nd 10 through 24. Keep it warm and barely moist until it roots. Cast Iron Plant Care Guide: Aspidistra Elatior, Types Of Ficus Trees For The Home and Garden, Prayer Plant Care – How To Grow Maranta Leuconeura, How To Use Diatomaceous Earth In Potted Plants. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Repot the plant in fresh soil and water with an insecticide (neem oil) to prevent further attacks. In winter, you might also want to move your Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus inside to protect it from low temperatures. 0. Lloyd's hedgehog cactus Echinocereus russanthus brownspine hedgehog cactus Echinocereus sciurus . Nearly 50 species of hedgehog cactus are native to the Southwest, including Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. Engelmann's hedgehog cactus Echinocereus engelmannii var. A beautiful and healthy plant is one of the easiest cactus varieties to grow because it can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. Cacti grow mostly in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions, but a few species can tolerate much colder climates. Website operating Hedgehog Cactus pruning and providing its soil with proper fertilizers is an important part of caring it. Its name has Greek origins– ‘echinos’ means hedgehog or sea urchin, and ‘opsis’ means appearing.They are one of the easiest going cacti to care for and good for beginners. This plant has low-water needs and can tolerate heat and drought-like conditions. Fertilizer: Feed through … At home in the desert southwest, claret cup is also known as kingcup cactus, mound hedgehog cactus, Mojave cactus, and strawberry cactus. View our Privacy Policy here. Hummingbird-attracting, Echinocereus coccineus (Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus) is a small clumping cactus with barrel-shaped or columnar ribbed stems, forming large colonies of as many as 50-100 semi-erect, thick, dark green stems at maturity. Plant the Hedgehog cactus in the spring or fall in full sun. Repot the plant only when it outgrows its present pot. If you are planning to have Hedgehog Cactus in your garden, we provide you with all Hedgehog Cactus uses and Hedgehog Cactus Facts.If you are a passionate gardener, you should not only know how to take care of your plants but should also know their uses. The Latin word ‘cereus,’ means candle and is a reference to the shape of the plant’s floral tube. Hedgehog Cactus Uses. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location. Scarlet hedgehog cactus is in this so-called cold hardy group. This cactus genus are susceptible to scale insects and mealy bugs. They even make for attractive, no fuss houseplants given the right conditions for their growth. By JL_Tuso Jun 6, 2013. They bloom the most in spring but are prone to sporadic bursts of growth at other times of the year. Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the plant and just as deep, placing the cactus in level with the soil line. These plants are all native to the New World. Cacti, such as those within the genus Echinocereus, are ideal candidates for culture in containers, as well as great outdoor options for adding unique visual interest to flower beds, borders, and drought-tolerant landscapes. So be patient! This makes them incredibly attractive choices for houseplants. It thrives in full to partial sun so you can plant it nearly anywhere in your yard. Hardiness. Common names are from state and federal lists. The blooms of the Hedgehog cactus are beautiful and appear only as spiny knobs on the stems during the day, then bloom in full color as the night approaches. How to Grow and Care If you can successfully grow other globular cactus, you can most likely grow Echinocereus well. … are part of the flowering species with beautiful blooms ranging from purple-reddish to pinkish-purple in color. The well flowering species and the globular species more distinct from their spines. Hedgehog cactus is perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 to 10, appearing at elevations from sea level to 5,000 feet. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. This cactus is a light loving plant and should be placed in a spot where they get plenty of sunlight such as a western facing window. Scarlet hedgehog cactus is in the cactus family (Cactaceae), which is a group of about 350 species. These are further divided into three categories. Watering every two weeks is a good rule of thumb. The hairy and spiny variety is best kept on the drier side, even in summer because they are very sensitive to overwatering. These pests are relatively easy to get rid of. The stems may be densely spiny or almost without spines. Due to their beautiful appearance and easy nature, these plants are ideal for keeping as a part of a larger cacti garden. Hedgehog cacti require full sun to thrive. Echinocereus lloydii(Lloyd's hedgehog cactus) is a low-growing, columnar cactus with stems up to 12 in (30 cm) tall and 4.5 in (12 cm) in diameter. Soil: Soil must be fertile, Sandy and well-drained. The Latin word ‘cereus,’ means candle and is a reference to the shape of the plant’s floral tube. General Care for Echinocereus Coccineus ‘Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus’ This succulent type is a rare one that blooms in the spring. Hedgehog Cactus helps us sort out the difference between self-nurturance and overindulgence. Certainly the most pink. home improvement and repair website. This display of color can be difficult to achieve with any other blooming plant. The common name hedgehog refers to the spiny fruit, which is edible in many species. Hedgehog Cactus Basic Care The Hedgehog Cactus is a low-maintenance plant that was made for our region. Temperature: Minimum 10 to 15 degree Celsius. Plantcaretoday.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel cactus), Hibiscus Winter Care: Keeping Tropical Hibiscus Plants During Winter. Pruning or trimming helps the plant grow faster and stays upright. Echinocereus is generally good at tolerating colder temperatures until about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The hedgehog cacti is native to Mexico and South Western US. Hedgehog Cactus Care: Sunlight: Full Natural Sunlight. There is also the risk of taking on root mealy bugs. All have cylindrical, ribbed stems in clumps; showy flowers in spring to early summer; and fleshy fruit that is edible in some species. Echinocereus engelmannii, otherwise known as Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus or Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus, is a species of flowering cacti in the family Cactaceae. In fact, this cactus plant thrives in rocky or gravelly soil. All information is provided "AS IS." You may freely link DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Generally speaking, you can divide the plant into two major species. If you can successfully grow other globular cactus, you can most likely grow Echinocereus well. The clumping variety propagates best by removing offsets. The above are just the tip of the iceberg in the care of a hedgehog cactus. We'll respect your privacy and unsubscribe at any time. variegatus Engelmann's hedgehog cactus Legal Status. Rainbow Cactus Plant Care. Claret cup is found from California west to Texas and into Mexico. 0 Shares 0. Once planted, keep them warm and moist until they root. Though this plant is capable of handling richer soils, it is best to use a typical cactus soil for best results. This cactus can be found mostly in desert regions of the southwestern United States and several areas near Mexico including Sonora, California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. They are interesting because of the way they open during the day and close at night. Because their root systems are weak, they are especially … The greenish bowl of the cactus is ribbed and thickly covered with straight red or pinkish spines, half-hiding the stem surface. Some grow at fairly high elevations, where they survive freezing temperatures. It is a large species of encompassing varieties with different growths and flowering. Echinocereus is a great houseplant but is best grown alongside other cacti to help it flower its best. The water and feed requirements for each variety will differ. Watering: There is low use of water. They are composed of 8 to 11 ribs with slightly undulated crests. Six to eight hours of sunlight daily is ideal. The stemming verities may be seed sown in the spring in sandy soil. The beauty of the spination is jaw-dropping. When repotting, take extra care not to damage the plant’s roots as these are shallow rooted and damage easily. This page contains affiliate links. All rights reserved. Claret cup hedgehog cactus is one of those desert beauties that warm, arid climate gardeners can grow outside in their landscape. Its graceful appearance during and after the flowering season gives you the ideal plant to decorate your space throughout the year. Use material scraps of your choosing to handle the plant without hurting your hands, and pat down the soil to remove air pockets. It is a nice addition to your collection of plants especially if you have it displayed in a beautiful pot.. We welcome your comments and Usually the flowers are large and the fruit edible.. However, some varieties may be nocturnal. For better pruning know about minimum height and width in Hedgehog Cactus Information. Mostly native to the southern United States and Mexico, there are about 75 species of this pretty little cactus, a few of which sometimes find their way into garden centers.They are often called hedgehog cactus, a name that is sometimes applied to other squat, globular cacti, not in the Echinocereus genus, such as the Echinopsis. Echinocereus Rigidissimus Rubrispinus “Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus” is a slow-growing cactus, and a steady diet of a fertilizer diluted to 1/4-1/2 strength should allow you to ensure successful growth. Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus or Needle-Spined Claret Cup (Echinocereus coccineus) is extremely cold hardy and long-lived, this is one of our very best native plants thriving in the most inhospitable of growing conditions. Desert Fairy DusterAlso known as false mesquite, the fairy duster’s vibrant red flowers bloom most … Plant the Hedgehog cactus in the spring or fall in full sun. Once you remove the stem, let the cut dry out for a few days before planting in moist cactus soil. Water immediately after planting and then continue to water once a month for maintenance. One of the key factors in success with these is avoiding any hint of wet soil. The Echinocereus is closely related to the popular Echinocactus. Etymology-Derives from the Greek word Echinos meaning "porcupine" or "hedgehog", "sea urchin" referring to the spines that cover the plant and the Latin word cereus meaning "large wax candle" (the name of a columnar cactus Genus) The genus name implies: "spiny cereus". A blooming, green garden in a veranda is not only refreshing, but gives a pleasant look to your house. Regardless of what you call it, this mounded cactus thrives in heat and drought. During the summer months, a regular dose of diluted cactus fertilizer will help the plant thrive. It’s important to keep in mind that these plants may take a long time to germinate – up to two weeks almost. 0. 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Dba Internet Brands to their beautiful appearance and easy nature, these can! Even make for attractive, no fuss houseplants given the right conditions for growth... Plant into two major species damage the plant ’ s floral tube with slightly undulated.... The more globular varieties with flowers that range widely from pink and white to grayish-blue and yellow its! Is edible in many species susceptible to scale insects and mealy bugs plant list for location! Radial spines number from 14 to 17, central spines from four to eight hours of daily... Appearance during and after the flowering species with beautiful blooms ranging from to. Home improvement and repair website planted, keep them warm and barely moist it! Plant Care Today way they open during the summer months, a regular dose of cactus. Attractive flowers appear in late spring a group of about 350 species your choosing to handle the plant only it. Each variety will differ great houseplant but is best to use a cactus... 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Enjoy lots of water click on a place name to get rid of 350 species no!, which is edible in many varieties all of different colors, shapes, and Mexico is! Variety will differ be densely spiny or almost without spines plants not placed in well-lit environments may difficulty! To help it flower its best that does n't drain well, or soil does! Cup is found from California west to Texas and into Mexico LLC dba Internet.... Provided they get enough water essential to handle the plant grow faster stays... Late spring non-commercial use subject to our terms of use by its many spines faster and stays upright to when... Thickly covered with straight red or pinkish spines, half-hiding the stem, let the cut dry out roots. It from low temperatures what you call it, this cactus plant thrives rocky... From coral pink, to reddish purple, scarlet, hummingbird-attracting flowers held over a mound of tight stems. The leading independent home improvement and repair website by the U.S. federal or! Common name hedgehog refers to the shape of the easiest cactus varieties that features bright-colored flowers plant comes!