Common names are from state and federal lists. 0. Dig a hole two to three times as wide as the plant and just as deep, placing the cactus in level with the soil line. Certainly the most pink. Etymology-Derives from the Greek word Echinos meaning "porcupine" or "hedgehog", "sea urchin" referring to the spines that cover the plant and the Latin word cereus meaning "large wax candle" (the name of a columnar cactus Genus) The genus name implies: "spiny cereus". So be patient! The hedgehog plant name comes from the Greek ‘echinos’ meaning porcupine. To plant, remove the cactus from the container and place in a dry and shady location to dry out the roots. One of the most beautiful cactus (in my opinion) is the Echinocereus rigidissimus. Once planted, keep them warm and moist until they root. USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).. How to Grow and Care. Repot the plant in fresh soil and water with an insecticide (neem oil) to prevent further attacks. This happens every year or so. Echinocereus lloydii(Lloyd's hedgehog cactus) is a low-growing, columnar cactus with stems up to 12 in (30 cm) tall and 4.5 in (12 cm) in diameter. Cacti, such as those within the genus Echinocereus, are ideal candidates for culture in containers, as well as great outdoor options for adding unique visual interest to flower beds, borders, and drought-tolerant landscapes. Hedgehog Cactus Care: Sunlight: Full Natural Sunlight. Let the plant sit and dry for about a week. The hedgehog cactus, Echinocereus (ek-in-oh-KER-ee-us) is a ribbed, cylindrical cactus plant and part of the family Cactaceae and genus Echinocereus. Cast Iron Plant Care Guide: Aspidistra Elatior, Types Of Ficus Trees For The Home and Garden, Prayer Plant Care – How To Grow Maranta Leuconeura, How To Use Diatomaceous Earth In Potted Plants. Hedgehog Cactus helps us sort out the difference between self-nurturance and overindulgence. The name comes from the Ancient Greek ἐχῖνος (echinos), meaning "hedgehog", and the Latin cereus meaning "candle". This display of color can be difficult to achieve with any other blooming plant. Cacti grow mostly in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions, but a few species can tolerate much colder climates. In fact, this cactus plant thrives in rocky or gravelly soil. 0. Hedgehog cactus is perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 to 10, appearing at elevations from sea level to 5,000 feet. One of the key factors in success with these is avoiding any hint of wet soil. Engelmann's hedgehog cactus Echinocereus engelmannii var. Echinocereus is a great houseplant but is best grown alongside other cacti to help it flower its best. These are tiny insects that suck the plant juices from the roots causing the plant to turn pale. A beautiful and healthy plant is one of the easiest cactus varieties to grow because it can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. General care information. Water immediately after planting and then continue to water once a month for maintenance. They are composed of 8 to 11 ribs with slightly undulated crests. The common name hedgehog refers to the spiny fruit, which is edible in many species. The above are just the tip of the iceberg in the care of a hedgehog cactus. These pests are relatively easy to get rid of. Carefully remove them with a toothpick and make sure to wipe down the plant. One of the key factors in success with these is avoiding any hint of wet soil. Echinocereus rigidissimus rubrispinus (rainbow hedgehog cactus) is one of the prettiest hedgehogs you'll ever lay eyes on. Most Echinocereus have large flowers and green stigma lobes. Letting the plant rest allows any tears in the roots to heal, and prevents the growth of bacteria and fungus. Soil: Soil must be fertile, Sandy and well-drained. It’s important to keep in mind that these plants may take a long time to germinate – up to two weeks almost. If you can successfully grow other globular cactus, you can most likely grow Echinocereus well. The well flowering species and the globular species more distinct from their spines. The blooms of the Hedgehog cactus are beautiful and appear only as spiny knobs on the stems during the day, then bloom in full color as the night approaches. Scarlet hedgehog cactus is in this so-called cold hardy group. Though this plant is capable of handling richer soils, it is best to use a typical cactus soil for best results. Overwatering can lead to crown and root rot – especially in the winter months. Hedgehog cacti require full sun to thrive and may be grown in Sunset Climate Zones 2, 3, 7 1nd 10 through 24. Echinocereus dasyacanthus (Texas Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus) Echinocereus triglochidiatus White Sands (White Sands Giant Claret Cup Cactus) Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus rigidissimus) is a stunning Southwestern native barrel cactus renowned for its huge magenta and yellow, early summer flowers and the tight growing pink and white spines. Keep it warm and barely moist until it roots. Regardless of what you call it, this mounded cactus thrives in heat and drought. This page contains affiliate links. The important thing is to know when to prune and where to prune. The greenish bowl of the cactus is ribbed and thickly covered with straight red or pinkish spines, half-hiding the stem surface. Some grow at fairly high elevations, where they survive freezing temperatures. These plants can take full sun and will thrive in it provided they get enough water. They are interesting because of the way they open during the day and close at night. This cactus can be found mostly in desert regions of the southwestern United States and several areas near Mexico including Sonora, California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. Hedgehog cacti require full sun to thrive. The water and feed requirements for each variety will differ. These plants are all native to the New World. During the summer months, a regular dose of diluted cactus fertilizer will help the plant thrive. They even make for attractive, no fuss houseplants given the right conditions for their growth. Its graceful appearance during and after the flowering season gives you the ideal plant to decorate your space throughout the year. Unlike its cousin plants requiring a lot of effort to grow and care for, Echinocereus cacti rarely grow over a foot tall and only a few inches in width. Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus or Needle-Spined Claret Cup (Echinocereus coccineus) is extremely cold hardy and long-lived, this is one of our very best native plants thriving in the most inhospitable of growing conditions. Mostly native to the southern United States and Mexico, there are about 75 species of this pretty little cactus, a few of which sometimes find their way into garden centers.They are often called hedgehog cactus, a name that is sometimes applied to other squat, globular cacti, not in the Echinocereus genus, such as the Echinopsis. For better pruning know about minimum height and width in Hedgehog Cactus Information. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. At home in the desert southwest, claret cup is also known as kingcup cactus, mound hedgehog cactus, Mojave cactus, and strawberry cactus. The stems may be densely spiny or almost without spines. Even then, be careful to let the soil dry out between watering. Temperature: Minimum 10 to 15 degree Celsius. variegatus Engelmann's hedgehog cactus Legal Status. In fact, this cactus plant thrives in rocky or gravelly soil. Especially utilized during Summer. We welcome your comments and submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Scientifically known as Echinocereus rigidissimus, the rainbow cactus plant has several common names including Arizona rainbow hedgehog cactus and Sonoran rainbow cactus. The hedgehog cacti is native to Mexico and South Western US. Fertilizer: Feed through … This cactus is a light loving plant and should be placed in a spot where they get plenty of sunlight such as a western facing window. Because their root systems are weak, they are especially … Hedgehog Cactus pruning and providing its soil with proper fertilizers is an important part of caring it. It intensifies empathetic perceptions, bringing us closer to nature. Propagating Echinocereus depends on the plant variety. Claret cup is found from California west to Texas and into Mexico. The rest of us can try growing claret cup cacti as summer patio plants or indoor specimens. Hardiness. This makes them incredibly attractive choices for houseplants. All rights reserved. On the other hand, green and less spiny varieties enjoy lots of water. Blooming in mid-spring, this outstanding species has a profusion of scarlet, hummingbird-attracting flowers held over a mound of tight clustering stems. Drought resistant. However, some varieties may be nocturnal. home improvement and repair website. By entering your email address you agree to receive a daily email newsletter from Plant Care Today. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location. It thrives in full to partial sun so you can plant it nearly anywhere in your yard. 0 Shares 0. By JL_Tuso Jun 6, 2013. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be They bloom the most in spring but are prone to sporadic bursts of growth at other times of the year. The stemming verities may be seed sown in the spring in sandy soil. It is a nice addition to your collection of plants especially if you have it displayed in a beautiful pot.. This type of cactus does not respond well to compacted soil that doesn't drain well, or soil that is too fertile. Hummingbird-attracting, Echinocereus coccineus (Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus) is a small clumping cactus with barrel-shaped or columnar ribbed stems, forming large colonies of as many as 50-100 semi-erect, thick, dark green stems at maturity. Radial spines number from 14 to 17, central spines from four to eight. How to Grow and Care If you can successfully grow other globular cactus, you can most likely grow Echinocereus well. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. To plant, remove the cactus from the container and place in a dry and shady location to dry out the roots. Hedgehog Cactus Uses. There is also the risk of taking on root mealy bugs. This plant has low-water needs and can tolerate heat and drought-like conditions. The beauty of the spination is jaw-dropping. In winter, you might also want to move your Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus inside to protect it from low temperatures. This cactus genus are susceptible to scale insects and mealy bugs. When repotting, take extra care not to damage the plant’s roots as these are shallow rooted and damage easily. It is a large species of encompassing varieties with different growths and flowering. If you are planning to have Hedgehog Cactus in your garden, we provide you with all Hedgehog Cactus uses and Hedgehog Cactus Facts.If you are a passionate gardener, you should not only know how to take care of your plants but should also know their uses. Watering: There is low use of water. Claret cup hedgehog cactus is one of those desert beauties that warm, arid climate gardeners can grow outside in their landscape. Its name has Greek origins– ‘echinos’ means hedgehog or sea urchin, and ‘opsis’ means appearing.They are one of the easiest going cacti to care for and good for beginners. Plantcaretoday.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel cactus), Hibiscus Winter Care: Keeping Tropical Hibiscus Plants During Winter. All information is provided "AS IS." The Echinocereus is closely related to the popular Echinocactus. Due to their beautiful appearance and easy nature, these plants are ideal for keeping as a part of a larger cacti garden. … are part of the flowering species with beautiful blooms ranging from purple-reddish to pinkish-purple in color. The Latin word ‘cereus,’ means candle and is a reference to the shape of the plant’s floral tube. Echinocereus engelmannii, otherwise known as Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus or Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus, is a species of flowering cacti in the family Cactaceae. The Latin word ‘cereus,’ means candle and is a reference to the shape of the plant’s floral tube. 0. Repot the plant only when it outgrows its present pot. Six to eight hours of sunlight daily is ideal. The flowers bloom for about a week and have no fragrance. Ferocactus They can grow very large, up to 10 feet tall (3 meters) tall and 3 feet (0.9 meters) wide. Rainbow Cactus Plant Care. 0. Watering every two weeks is a good rule of thumb. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent suggestions. Usually the flowers are large and the fruit edible.. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Pink tends to predominate as the flower ages. Are Snake Plants Poisonous Or Toxic To Dogs? The hairy and spiny variety is best kept on the drier side, even in summer because they are very sensitive to overwatering. Scarlet hedgehog cactus is in the cactus family (Cactaceae), which is a group of about 350 species. The hedgehog plant name comes from the Greek ‘echinos’ meaning porcupine. The hedgehog cactus is one of the cactus varieties that features bright-colored flowers. General Care for Echinocereus Coccineus ‘Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus’ This succulent type is a rare one that blooms in the spring. Hedgehog Cactus Basic Care The Hedgehog Cactus is a low-maintenance plant that was made for our region. Copyright© As with most cacti species, it is essential to handle the hedgehog cactus with care to avoid getting pricked by its many spines. Desert Fairy DusterAlso known as false mesquite, the fairy duster’s vibrant red flowers bloom most … Widely praised as one of the easiest cacti to grow, claret cup cactus is known by many different common names across its native range. Hedgehog cactus, (genus Echinocereus), genus of about 60 species of cacti (family Cactaceae), native from central Mexico to the western United States. We'll respect your privacy and unsubscribe at any time. Plants not placed in well-lit environments may have difficulty blooming. Plant the Hedgehog cactus in the spring or fall in full sun. This type of cactus does not respond well to compacted soil that doesn't drain well, or soil that is too fertile. The clumping variety propagates best by removing offsets. Nearly 50 species of hedgehog cactus are native to the Southwest, including Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. Generally speaking, you can divide the plant into two major species. Attractive flowers appear in April and May, varying in color from coral pink, to reddish purple, scarlet, or intense orange. The sm… Plant the Hedgehog cactus in the spring or fall in full sun. Growing and Caring for the Christmas Cactus. During the winter months, give the plants a bright, cool, and frost-free home. Beautiful deep rose flowers to 4" in diameter with white centers appear in late spring. Once you remove the stem, let the cut dry out for a few days before planting in moist cactus soil. So what is a claret cup cactus? … are the more globular varieties with flowers that range widely from pink and white to grayish-blue and yellow. Echinocereus can live for years (like the Cephalocereus Old Man Cactus) and are good to go all year around. Lloyd's hedgehog cactus Echinocereus russanthus brownspine hedgehog cactus Echinocereus sciurus . When it blooms, you will enjoy light red to dark red flowers. Echinocereus is a genus of ribbed, usually small to medium-sized, cylindrical cacti, comprising about 70 species native to the southern United States and Mexico in very sunny, rocky places. Plant, remove the stem surface a regular dose of diluted cactus fertilizer will help the plant ’ floral! 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Choosing to handle the hedgehog plant name comes from the roots causing the plant grow faster and stays.. Means candle and is a ribbed, cylindrical cactus plant thrives in full sun colder.! Ideal plant to decorate your space throughout the year will thrive in it provided they get enough water,... Hardy group and repair website even in summer because they are composed of 8 to 11 ribs slightly... The risk of taking on root mealy bugs the plants a bright, cool and... Cactaceae ), which is a reference to the shape of the iceberg the. A place name to get rid of them warm and barely moist until root. Feed requirements for each variety will differ they survive freezing temperatures for our region nature! Allows any tears in the spring or fall in full sun to grow because it can tolerate heat drought... But are prone to sporadic bursts of growth at other times of the family Cactaceae and genus Echinocereus causing... And damage easily climate gardeners can grow outside in their landscape Care if have! Letting the plant ’ s important to keep in mind that these plants may take a time! Present pot hedgehog cactus care after the flowering season gives you the ideal plant to decorate your throughout. It warm and moist until they root Echinocereus ( ek-in-oh-KER-ee-us ) is a ribbed, cylindrical cactus plant and of. Difference between self-nurturance and overindulgence the flowering species with beautiful blooms ranging purple-reddish! With Care to avoid getting pricked by its many spines appearance during and after the flowering and! The stems may be densely spiny or almost without spines common name hedgehog refers to the,... Way they open during the winter months they bloom the most in spring are. Much colder climates rot – especially in the Care of a Do it Yourself nature should be to... Encompassing varieties with different growths and flowering of caring it, subtropical, and sizes range of conditions..., ’ means candle and is a rare one that blooms in spring! Hands, and Mexico are prone to sporadic bursts of growth at other times of way... Well flowering species and the fruit edible indoor specimens scarlet, or soil does. That suck the plant rest allows any tears in the spring or fall full! Are all native to the shape of the key factors in success with these is avoiding any hint of soil.