Scientific Name
Soehrensia huascha (F.A.C.Weber) Schlumpb.
Common Name(s)
Desert's Blooming Jewel, Red Torch, Red Torch Cactus
Synonym(s)
Helianthocereus huascha, Echinopsis huascha, Lobivia huascha, Salpingolobivia huascha, Trichocereus huascha
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Echinopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "huascha" (pronounced "WAS-kuh") is derived from a local Argentine (Quechua) word meaning "orphan." However, the exact reason for choosing this name for the species remains unclear.
Origin
Echinopsis huascha is native to Argentina.
Description
Soehrensia huascha, also known as Echinopsis huascha or Trichocereus huascha, is a slow-growing cactus with light green stems with 12 to 18 ribs and clusters of yellowish to brownish spines. It branches at the base, forming clumps over time. The cylindrical stems are upright or creeping and can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm) long and 3.2 inches (8 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears 1 to 3 central and 9 to 11 radial spines. The radial spines can grow up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long, while the central spines can reach lengths of up to 2.4 inches (6 cm).
The flowers are diurnal, scentless, and vary in color from red to orange and yellow. They are funnel-shaped and appear near the top of the stems from spring to early summer, measuring up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length and 3 inches (7.5 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
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 when slightly wilt. When you water, however, you should water deeply. The plant will noticeably plump up. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, ensure that fertilizer is applied during the growing season for the best results.
Echinopsis can be easily rooted from offsets, which cluster around the mother plant's base. 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, 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.
Forms
Links
- Back to genus Echinopsis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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