Scientific Name
Echinocereus rigidissimus subsp. rubispinus (G.Frank & A.B.Lau) N.P.Taylor
Common Name(s)
Pink Comb Cactus, Rainbow Cactus, Ruby Rainbow
Synonym(s)
Echinocereus pectinatus var. rubispinus, Echinocereus pectinatus var. rubrispinus, Echinocereus rigidissimus var. rubispinus, Echinocereus rigidissimus var. rubrispinus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Pachycereeae
Genus: Echinocereus
Etymology
The subspecific epithet "rubispinus (roo-bih-SPIN-us)" means "ruby red thorn-bush" and refers to the color of the spines.
Description
Echinocereus rigidissimus subsp. rubispinus is a small columnar cactus with erect cylindrical stems densely covered with ruby-red spines. The stems can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) tall and 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are pinkish-red, magenta, or red and have white throats. They can reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter and appear near the top of the stem in late spring and summer.
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 grow other globular cacti successfully, you can most likely grow Echinocereus well. One of the key success factors is avoiding any hint of wet soil. Because their root systems are weak, they are especially prone to root rot, eventually killing your plant. Otherwise, they thrive on a program of intense 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 repotting by removing and potting plantlets in their own pots. When repotting a cactus, remove it from its pot and remove any clumped soil. These plants tend to be shallow-rooted with weak root systems, so they do not damage their roots.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echinocereus.
Origin
Echinocereus rigidissimus subsp. rubispinus is native to Mexico.
Forms
Links
- Back to genus Echinocereus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
