Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi is a nearly spineless subspecies of Echinocereus scheeri native to the northwestern Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua. It is known for its unusual, smooth, cucumber-like appearance and its dramatic, showy blooms.
Taxonomy of Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi
Scientific Name
Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi (Clover) N.P. Taylor
Synonym(s)
Echinocereus gentryi, Echinocereus scheeri var. gentryi
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Pachycereeae
Genus: Echinocereus
Etymology
The generic name "Echinocereus" (pronounced "ek-in-oh-KER-ee-us") means "hedgehog-like Cereus" and refers to the mostly spiny fruits that distinguish the genus from Cereus.
The specific epithet "scheeri" (pronounced "SHEER-ee-eye") honors Frederick (Friedrich) Scheer🡕 (1792–1868), a German-British trader and plant lover.
The subspecific epithet "gentryi" (pronounced "JEN-tree-eye") honors Howard Scott Gentry🡕 (1903–1993), an American botanist recognized as the world's leading authority on Agaves.
Description
Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi is a branching cactus with cylindrical stems that have 4 to 5 ribs lined with clusters of very short spines, which may be absent. The stems typically grow 16 to 24 inches (40 to 60 cm) long, though they can occasionally reach up to 3.3 feet (1 meter).
The showy flowers are pale pink, trumpet-shaped, and can reach up to 5.6 inches (14 cm) in length. They appear in spring and remain fully open for most of the day and night. The bright green fruits with white pulp and black seeds can grow up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long.
Origin
Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi is native to Mexico. It often grows hanging from cliffs and rocky slopes in Sonora and Chihuahua.
Cultivars of Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi
How to Grow and Care for Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi
Light: Although it can tolerate partial shade, Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi thrives in full sun. If growing indoors, place it in a sunny window and rotate the pot a quarter turn every week or two to ensure balanced growth. If possible, move the plant outdoors from spring to fall.
Soil: Good drainage is essential for this cactus's health, as it does not like wet feet. You can use commercial cactus mixes or make your own well-draining soil.
Hardiness: Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi prefers warmer temperatures during its growing season and cooler temperatures during winter dormancy. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9b to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 25°F to 50°F (-3.9°C to 10°C).
Watering: Water thoroughly from spring to fall, letting the soil dry out between waterings. Gradually reduce the watering frequency in the fall. When the plant is dormant in winter, water it only enough to prevent shrinking.
Fertilizing: For optimal growth, use water-soluble fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength, ideally a balanced 10-10-10 formula. Do not fertilize in the winter.
Repotting: When young, repot Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi each year in early spring. Once mature, repot it only when it outgrows its pot.
Propagation: You can propagate this cactus by offsets or seeds. The best time to remove offsets is spring and summer, while late spring and early summer are ideal for sowing seeds.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echinocereus.
Toxicity of Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi
Echinocereus scheeri subsp. gentryi is considered non-toxic to humans and animals.
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Echinocereus.
- Explore all plants within the family Cactaceae.