Eriosyce napina

Scientific Name

Eriosyce napina (Phil.) Katt.

Synonyms

Echinocactus napinus, Chilenia napina, Chileorebutia napina, Echinocactus mitis, Hildmannia mitis, Malacocarpus napinus, Neochilenia mitis, Thelocephala napina

Scientific Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Notocacteae
Genus: Eriosyce

Description

Eriosyce napina is a slow-growing cactus geophyte with a solitary, spherical or flattened stem with short black spines. The stem is up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) tall, up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. It ranges in color from green to brown but more commonly with brown-olive-grey tones. Flowers are whitish, yellowish, pinkish to pale red with a silky shine, and appear in late spring. They are up to 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) long and 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. Fruits are large, red, and wrapped in white wool.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Eriosyce cacti require strong sun exposure to develop good spinal growth but tolerate light shade. Therefore, some light shade may be useful on the hottest summer days.

A rich, fast-draining cactus mix is ideal. Good drainage is essential for health.

Water the cactus every two weeks or slightly less often during the summer, depending on how moist the soil remains. In the winter rest period, cut watering back to once a month, or in humid areas, not at all. One of the key factors in success with these cacti is avoiding any hint of wet soil. Because their root systems are weak, they are especially prone to root rot, eventually killing your plant.

During the summer, regular doses of cactus fertilizer will help it grow its best. However, use diluted fertilizer for best results.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Eriosyce.