Echinopsis lageniformis (Bolivian Torch Cactus)

Scientific Name

Echinopsis lageniformis (C.F.Först.) Friedrich & G.D.Rowley

Common Names

Bolivian Torch, Bolivian Torch Cactus, Achuma, Wachuma, Huachuma

Synonyms

Cereus lageniformis (basionym), Cereus bridgesii, Cereus bridgesii f. lageniformis, Cereus bridgesii var. lageniformis, Echinopsis scopulicola, Trichocereus bridgesii, Trichocereus crassicostatus, Trichocereus scopulicola

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Echinopsis

Description

Echinopsis lageniformis is a fast-growing, columnar cactus up to 16.4 feet (5 m) tall. The stems are up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, greenish to bluish in color and usually have 4 to 8 ribs. The spines can range in coloration from honey-colored to brown and are located on the nodes in groups of up to 4. They can grow up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long. The large flowers are white and up to 5.2 inches (18 cm) long.

Photo via wikimedia.org

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 to the point where they slightly wilt. When you water, however, you should water deeply. The plant will noticeably plump up. It is imperative that the cactus is not exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, make sure to 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