Echinopsis subdenudata (Easter Lily Cactus)

Scientific Name

Echinopsis subdenudata Cárdenas

Common Names

Easter Lily Cactus, Night Blooming Hedgehog

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Echinopsis subdenudata is a pretty little cactus. The stem is globose to elongate up to 12 inches (30 cm) high with 8 to 12 -ribs, sometimes offsetting and sometimes not. It is almost spineless or with very short cream spines. The flowers are fragrant, white funnel-shaped, with long tubes, up to 9 inches (22 cm) long. It blooms from late spring to all summer long, the flowers open on the morning of the first day and remain opened all the night long but last only one day in full beauty, at the second day they start to wither.

aPhoto via naturalezaespinosa.blogspot.com

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’s 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 fertilizer during the growing season for the best results.

Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a cacti, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot. Be careful when handling Echinopsis as they have stiff spines… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Echinopsis.