Eriosyce odieri

Scientific Name

Eriosyce odieri (Lem. ex Salm-Dyck) Katt.

Synonyms

Echinocactus odieri, Chilenia odieri, Chilenia reichii, Chileorebutia odieri, Chileorebutia reichei, Echinocactus araneifer, Echinocactus reichei, Hildmannia odieri, Hildmannia reichei, Malacocarpus reichei, Neochilenia odieri, Neochilenia reichei, Neotanahashia reichei, Notocactus reichei, Thelocephala odieri, Thelocephala reichei

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Eriosyce odieri is a geophytic cactus with grayish-green stems that become reddish, purplish, or brownish when grown in full sun. The stems are subglobular, up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, flattened in the upper part, and often spineless in mature plants. Spines are yellowish, white, or brownish, up to 0.2 inches (5 mm) long, and flattened against the tubercles. Flowers are funnel-shaped, with small scales and wool and pale-colored tepals. The plant starts flowering when the stem reaches 0.8 to 2.4 inches (2 to 6 cm) in diameter.

Hardiness

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

How to Grow and Care

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

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

During the summer, water the cactus every two weeks or slightly less often, 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.

Origin

Native to Chile.