Scientific Name
Echinocereus pentalophus (DC.) Lem.
Common Names
Alicoche, Devil's Fingers, Dog Tail, Lady Finger Cactus
Synonyms
Cereus pentalophus, Echinocereus pentalophus subsp. pentalophus, Echinocereus procumbens, Echinocereus pentalophus subsp. procumbens
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Pachycereeae
Genus: Echinocereus
Description
Echinocereus pentalophus is a cactus that forms multiple finger-like stems with 4 to 6 ribs and 4 to 8 spines per areole. The stems are green to reddish-purple, up to 3.3 feet (1 m) long and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The spines are stiff, white or yellowish. One of the spines is a little longer and more central. In late spring, it produces many flowers that are brilliant pink or magenta, up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter and followed by green fruits.
Photo via cactuscolin.wix.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 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.
Echinocereus are slow-growing cacti that should only need repotting every other year or so. You can prolong the time to repotting by removing plantlets and potting them up in their own pots. When repotting a cactus, carefully remove it from its pot and knock away any clumped soil. These plants tend to be shallow-rooted with weak root systems, so take care not to damage their roots.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echinocereus.
Origin
Echinocereus pentalophus is native to North America (the United States and central and eastern Mexico).
Subspecies
Links
- Back to genus Echinocereus
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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