Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi

Scientific Name

Echinocereus scheeri subsp .gentryi (Clover) N.P. Taylor

Synonyms

Echinocereus gentryi (basionym), Echinocereus scheeri var. gentryi, Echinocereus cucumis

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Pachycereeae
Genus: Echinocereus

Description

Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi is a odd-looking cactus with cylindrical stems up to 2 feet (60 cm) long and very short spines. It is among the earliest cacti to bloom in the spring. The flowers are showy, pale purplish-pink, trumpet-shaped and up up 6 inches (15 cm) long. They remain fully open most of the day and night. The fruits are bright green with white pulp and up to 0.8 inch (2 cm) long.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °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.