Scientific Name
Echinocereus subinermis Salm-Dyck ex Scheer
Synonym(s)
Echinocereus subinermis subsp. subinermis
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Pachycereeae
Genus: Echinocereus
Origin
Echinocereus subinermis is native to north, northwestern, and central Mexico.
Description
Echinocereus subinermis is a small cactus with glaucous green stems with 5 to 11 ribs lined with clusters of short spines. The stems are spherical or elongated and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall and 3.6 inches (9 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears up to 10 radial spines and usually no central spines.
The yellow flowers, which can be up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) in diameter, appear in spring and summer.
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 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 take care not to damage their roots.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echinocereus.
Links
- Back to genus Echinocereus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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