Scientific Name
Echinocereus viereckii Werderm.
Synonym(s)
Echinocereus viereckii subsp. viereckii
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Pachycereeae
Genus: Echinocereus
Origin
Echinocereus viereckii is native to Mexico (Tamaulipas).
Description
Echinocereus viereckii is a much-branched cactus with cylindrical, yellowish-green to bright green stems with 6 to 9 tuberculate ribs lined with areoles that bear clusters of yellow spines. It branches profusely from the base, forming a clump over time. The stems are erect, ascending, or sprawling and can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length and 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. The spines can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. Each areole bears 3 to 5 central and 7 to 9 radial spines.
The funnel-shaped flowers can reach up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) in length and 4.4 inches (11 cm) in diameter. They are brilliant magenta and appear in spring.
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, 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, 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 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.
Subspecies
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
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