Scientific Name
Echinocereus viereckii Werderm.
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Pachycereeae
Genus: Echinocereus
Etymology
The specific epithet "viereckii" (pronounced "vee-uh-RECK-ee-eye") honors Hans Wilhelm Viereck (1903-1946), a German plant collector in Mexico.
Origin
Echinocereus viereckii is native to Mexico (Tamaulipas).
Description
Echinocereus viereckii is a highly branched cactus with cylindrical, yellowish-green to bright green stems that have 6 to 9 tuberculate ribs lined with areoles bearing clusters of yellow spines. It branches profusely from the base, forming a clump over time. The stems are erect, ascending, or sprawling, growing up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. The spines can measure up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. Each areole bears 3 to 5 central and 7 to 9 radial spines.
The funnel-shaped flowers can reach 3.6 inches (9 cm) in length and 4.4 inches (11 cm) in diameter. They are brilliant magenta and appear in spring.
Subspecies of Echinocereus viereckii
- Echinocereus viereckii subsp. morricalii
- Echinocereus viereckii subsp. santamariensis
- Echinocereus viereckii subsp. viereckii
How to Grow and Care for Echinocereus viereckii
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 50°F (10°C).
If you can grow other globular cacti, 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 can eventually kill 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 the time to repotting by removing plantlets and potting them up 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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