Echinopsis subdenudata, commonly known as Domino Cactus or Easter Lily Cactus, is a small cactus native to Bolivia. It is recognized for its distinctive white, fuzzy areoles resembling the spots on a domino, as well as its impressive white flowers that bloom at night. This cactus is not accepted as a separate species and is treated as a synonym of Echinopsis ancistrophora.
Taxonomy of Echinopsis subdenudata
Scientific Name
Echinopsis subdenudata Cárdenas
Accepted Scientific Name
Echinopsis ancistrophora Speg.
Synonym(s)
Lobivia ancistrophora subsp. subdenudata, Lobivia subdenudata
Common Name(s)
Domino Cactus, Easter Lily Cactus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Echinopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "subdenudata" (pronounced "sub-dee-noo-DAY-ta") means "nearly naked," "somewhat bare," or "partially denuded" and refers to the insignificant spines on the stems of this species.
Origin of Echinopsis subdenudata
Echinopsis subdenudata is native to Bolivia and grows primarily in grasslands, shrublands, and forests at elevations ranging from 1,970 to 5,900 feet (600 to 1,800 m).
Description of Echinopsis subdenudata
Echinopsis subdenudata, also known as Lobivia subdenudata, is a small cactus with grayish-green, spherical stems that have 8 to 12 ribs sparsely lined with white, woolly areoles bearing a few very short spines. The stems can grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) tall and up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) in diameter. They usually grow solitary or slowly produce offsets at the base, forming a dense clump over time. Each areole bears one central and 3 to 7 radial spines.
The fragrant night-blooming flowers are white, funnel-shaped, and appear in summer. They can reach a length of 9 inches (22.5 cm).
Forms of Echinopsis subdenudata
How to Grow and Care for Echinopsis subdenudata
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
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 of slightly wilting. When you water, however, you should water deeply. The plant will noticeably plump up. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and standing water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, be sure to fertilize during the growing season for optimal results.
Echinopsis can be easily propagated 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, it 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.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Echinopsis.
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Internal Links
- Explore all plants within the genus Echinopsis.
- Explore all plants within the family Cactaceae.