Echinopsis 'Boom'

Scientific Name

Echinopsis 'Boom'

Common Name(s)

Peanut Cactus

Synonym(s)

Chamaecereus 'Boom', Echinopsis chamaecereus 'Boom', ×Chamaelobivia 'Boom'

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

This cactus, formerly known as ×Chamaelobivia 'Boom', is a hybrid that results from a cross between Chamaecereus silvestrii (now Echinopsis chamaecereus) and unknown Lobivia. Both genera, Chamaecereus and Lobivia, are now classified within the genus Echinopsis, which makes it an Echinopsis hybrid.

Description

Echinopsis 'Boom', formerly known as ×Chamaelobivia 'Boom', is a small cactus with numerous upright stubby stems and incredible flowers. It grows up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall, branching profusely from the base. Stems are cylindrical with 10 to 12 ribs lined with clusters of short, light-colored spines. They are thicker than those of Echinopsis chamaecereus.

In spring, the plant explodes with numerous reddish-pink to orange flowers. The flowers are funnel-shaped and up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter.

This hybrid is often sold as Echinopsis chamaecereus 'Boom'.

Echinopsis 'Boom' aka Echinopsis chamaecereus 'Boom' or ×Chamaelobivia 'Boom' — *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 when slightly wilt. When you water, however, you should water deeply. The plant will noticeably plump up. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, ensure to fertilize 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 cut dry out slightly on a paper towel and cut the cacti at the narrowest possible place. 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.

Photo Gallery

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