Chamaelobivia 'Boom' (Peanut Cactus)

Scientific Name

Echinopsis chamaecereus 'Boom'

Common Names

Peanut Cactus

Synonyms

x Chamaelobivia 'Boom', Chamaecereus 'Boom'

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Echinopsis

Description

Chamaelobivia 'Boom' is a hybrid between Chamaecereus silvestrii (now renamed Echinopsis chamaecereus) and Lobvia, but since both of those are now reclassified as Echinopsis, that makes this an Echinopsis hybrid. This cactus has an upright growth habit, offsetting and blooming profusely. Flowers are up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter and reddish pink to orange in color.

Photo via cactus-art.biz

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

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.

Echinopsis can be easily rooted from offsets, which tend to cluster around the base of the mother plant. Cut offsets close to the stem, at the narrowest possible place. When rooting cacti from cuttings, let the fresh cutting dry out slightly on a paper towel and cut the cacti at the narrowest place possible. After a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the cut surface, the cut surface should have dried out and formed a callous, or slightly rough opening. Once the callous has formed, place the cutting in a rooting mixture of fast-draining cacti soil… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Echinopsis