Scientific Name
Echinopsis lageniformis (C.F.Först.) Friedrich & G.D.Rowley
Common Name(s)
Bolivian Torch, Bolivian Torch Cactus, Achuma, Wachuma, Huachuma
Synonym(s)
Cereus lageniformis, Cereus bridgesii, Cereus bridgesii f. lageniformis, Cereus bridgesii var. lageniformis, Trichocereus bridgesii, Trichocereus crassicostatus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Echinopsis
Description
Echinopsis lageniformis, also known as Trichocereus bridgesii, is a fast-growing columnar cactus with greenish to bluish stems that usually have 4 to 8 ribs. The stems can grow up to 16.4 feet (5 m) tall and 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears 2 to 6 spines that range from honey-colored to brown and can measure up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long.
The flowers are white, funnel-shaped, and open at night in spring and summer. They can reach up to 5.2 inches (18 cm) in length. The fruits are spherical, hairy, and can grow up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
If you can grow cacti and succulents successfully, you can likely grow the Echinopsis species without too much trouble. Like many cacti, they prefer a drying period between waterings, even when slightly wilt. When you water, however, you should water deeply. The plant will noticeably plump up. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, fertilize during the growing season for the best results.
Echinopsis can be easily rooted from offsets, which tend to cluster around the base of the mother plant. Cut offsets close to the stem, at the narrowest possible place. When rooting cacti from cuttings, let the fresh cutting dry out slightly on a paper towel and cut the cacti at the narrowest place possible. After a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the cut surface, the cut surface should have dried out and formed a callous or slightly rough opening. Once the callous has formed, place the cutting in a rooting mixture of fast-draining cacti soil.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Echinopsis.
Origin
Echinopsis lageniformis is native to the high deserts of Bolivia.
Forms and Cultivars
Links
- Back to genus Echinopsis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
