To plant, remove the cactus from the container and place in a dry and shady location to dry out the roots. Learn more about them in this article. Hedgehog Cactus helps us sort out the difference between self-nurturance and overindulgence. Threatened and Endangered Information: This plant is listed by the U.S. federal government or a state. It’s important to keep in mind that these plants may take a long time to germinate – up to two weeks almost. Hedgehog cacti require full sun to thrive and may be grown in Sunset Climate Zones 2, 3, 7 1nd 10 through 24. We welcome your comments and Carefully remove them with a toothpick and make sure to wipe down the plant. 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. So be patient! These plants are all native to the New World. It is a large species of encompassing varieties with different growths and flowering. This happens every year or so. Especially utilized during Summer. 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". The sm… Its graceful appearance during and after the flowering season gives you the ideal plant to decorate your space throughout the year. 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. 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. They even make for attractive, no fuss houseplants given the right conditions for their growth. The important thing is to know when to prune and where to prune. Watering every two weeks is a good rule of thumb. Once planted, keep them warm and moist until they root. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. In winter, you might also want to move your Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus inside to protect it from low temperatures. View our Privacy Policy here. It intensifies empathetic perceptions, bringing us closer to nature. There is also the risk of taking on root mealy bugs. Common names are from state and federal lists. Hedgehog cacti require full sun to thrive. At home in the desert southwest, claret cup is also known as kingcup cactus, mound hedgehog cactus, Mojave cactus, and strawberry cactus. During the summer months, a regular dose of diluted cactus fertilizer will help the plant thrive. The name comes from the Ancient Greek ἐχῖνος (echinos), meaning "hedgehog", and the Latin cereus meaning "candle". Attractive flowers appear in April and May, varying in color from coral pink, to reddish purple, scarlet, or intense orange. Scarlet hedgehog cactus is in this so-called cold hardy group. 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. 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. The above are just the tip of the iceberg in the care of a hedgehog cactus. The hedgehog cacti is native to Mexico and South Western US. 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. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Watering: There is low use of water. Hardiness. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent How to Grow and Care If you can successfully grow other globular cactus, you can most likely grow Echinocereus well. Echinocereus rigidissimus rubrispinus (rainbow hedgehog cactus) is one of the prettiest hedgehogs you'll ever lay eyes on. 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. Hedgehog Cactus Basic Care The Hedgehog Cactus is a low-maintenance plant that was made for our region. Echinocereus engelmannii, otherwise known as Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus or Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus, is a species of flowering cacti in the family Cactaceae. 0. Scarlet hedgehog cactus is in the cactus family (Cactaceae), which is a group of about 350 species. … are the more globular varieties with flowers that range widely from pink and white to grayish-blue and yellow. This type of cactus does not respond well to compacted soil that doesn't drain well, or soil that is too fertile. It is a nice addition to your collection of plants especially if you have it displayed in a beautiful pot.. Copyright© Temperature: Minimum 10 to 15 degree Celsius. These plants can take full sun and will thrive in it provided they get enough water. Echinocereus Rigidissimus Rubrispinus “Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus” is a slow-growing cactus, and a steady diet of a fertilizer diluted to 1/4-1/2 strength should allow you to ensure successful growth. Though this plant is capable of handling richer soils, it is best to use a typical cactus soil for best results. So what is a claret cup cactus? Some grow at fairly high elevations, where they survive freezing temperatures. Engelmann's hedgehog cactus Echinocereus engelmannii var. This page contains affiliate links. Fertilizer: Feed through … These pests are relatively easy to get rid of. Claret cup hedgehog cactus is one of those desert beauties that warm, arid climate gardeners can grow outside in their landscape. 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. Growing and Caring for the Christmas Cactus. However, some varieties may be nocturnal. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. All have cylindrical, ribbed stems in clumps; showy flowers in spring to early summer; and fleshy fruit that is edible in some species. 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. If you can successfully grow other globular cactus, you can most likely grow Echinocereus well. The beauty of the spination is jaw-dropping. Water immediately after planting and then continue to water once a month for maintenance. This type of cactus does not respond well to compacted soil that doesn't drain well, or soil that is too fertile. The hedgehog cactus is one of the cactus varieties that features bright-colored flowers. 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. Echinocereus is generally good at tolerating colder temperatures until about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. When it blooms, you will enjoy light red to dark red flowers. Beautiful deep rose flowers to 4" in diameter with white centers appear in late spring. These are further divided into three categories. Ferocactus They can grow very large, up to 10 feet tall (3 meters) tall and 3 feet (0.9 meters) wide. Hedgehog Cactus pruning and providing its soil with proper fertilizers is an important part of caring it. variegatus Engelmann's hedgehog cactus Legal Status. Soil: Soil must be fertile, Sandy and well-drained. By entering your email address you agree to receive a daily email newsletter from Plant Care Today. These are tiny insects that suck the plant juices from the roots causing the plant to turn pale. All information is provided "AS IS." Most Echinocereus have large flowers and green stigma lobes. 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. Pink tends to predominate as the flower ages. Plants not placed in well-lit environments may have difficulty blooming. Lloyd's hedgehog cactus Echinocereus russanthus brownspine hedgehog cactus Echinocereus sciurus . The common name hedgehog refers to the spiny fruit, which is edible in many species. Certainly the most pink. The stems may be densely spiny or almost without spines. 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. suggestions. 0. Repot the plant in fresh soil and water with an insecticide (neem oil) to prevent further attacks. Due to their beautiful appearance and easy nature, these plants are ideal for keeping as a part of a larger cacti garden. Rainbow Cactus Plant Care. Scientifically known as Echinocereus rigidissimus, the rainbow cactus plant has several common names including Arizona rainbow hedgehog cactus and Sonoran rainbow cactus. The flowers bloom for about a week and have no fragrance. The water and feed requirements for each variety will differ. Pruning or trimming helps the plant grow faster and stays upright. Blooming in mid-spring, this outstanding species has a profusion of scarlet, hummingbird-attracting flowers held over a mound of tight clustering stems. It thrives in full to partial sun so you can plant it nearly anywhere in your yard. Claret cup is found from California west to Texas and into Mexico. The hairy and spiny variety is best kept on the drier side, even in summer because they are very sensitive to overwatering. The plant is generally easy to care for and does not require too much grooming or maintenance. 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. The stemming verities may be seed sown in the spring in sandy soil. They bloom the most in spring but are prone to sporadic bursts of growth at other times of the year. They are interesting because of the way they open during the day and close at night. Once you remove the stem, let the cut dry out for a few days before planting in moist cactus soil. The hedgehog plant name comes from the Greek ‘echinos’ meaning porcupine. General care information. Let the plant sit and dry for about a week. The clumping variety propagates best by removing offsets. Keep it warm and barely moist until it roots. Hedgehog Cactus Care: Sunlight: Full Natural Sunlight. Widely praised as one of the easiest cacti to grow, claret cup cactus is known by many different common names across its native range. This cactus genus are susceptible to scale insects and mealy bugs. 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. 0. As with most cacti species, it is essential to handle the hedgehog cactus with care to avoid getting pricked by its many spines. During the winter months, give the plants a bright, cool, and frost-free home. Hedgehog cactus is perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 to 10, appearing at elevations from sea level to 5,000 feet. You may freely link Use material scraps of your choosing to handle the plant without hurting your hands, and pat down the soil to remove air pockets. The rest of us can try growing claret cup cacti as summer patio plants or indoor specimens. home improvement and repair website. General Care for Echinocereus Coccineus ‘Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus’ This succulent type is a rare one that blooms in the spring. All rights reserved. In fact, this cactus plant thrives in rocky or gravelly soil. Cacti grow mostly in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions, but a few species can tolerate much colder climates. On the other hand, green and less spiny varieties enjoy lots of water. Six to eight hours of sunlight daily is ideal. In fact, this cactus plant thrives in rocky or gravelly soil. USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).. How to Grow and Care. A beautiful and healthy plant is one of the easiest cactus varieties to grow because it can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. They are composed of 8 to 11 ribs with slightly undulated crests. We'll respect your privacy and unsubscribe at any time. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be 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. Overwatering can lead to crown and root rot – especially in the winter months. Even then, be careful to let the soil dry out between watering. Nearly 50 species of hedgehog cactus are native to the Southwest, including Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico. 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. Usually the flowers are large and the fruit edible.. Hedgehog Cactus Uses. When repotting, take extra care not to damage the plant’s roots as these are shallow rooted and damage easily. 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. Plant the Hedgehog cactus in the spring or fall in full sun. Are Snake Plants Poisonous Or Toxic To Dogs? Propagating Echinocereus depends on the plant variety. The Latin word ‘cereus,’ means candle and is a reference to the shape of the plant’s floral tube. 0 Shares 0. The Echinocereus is closely related to the popular Echinocactus. A blooming, green garden in a veranda is not only refreshing, but gives a pleasant look to your house. One of the most beautiful cactus (in my opinion) is the Echinocereus rigidissimus. Plant the Hedgehog cactus in the spring or fall in full sun. By JL_Tuso Jun 6, 2013. Echinocereus is a great houseplant but is best grown alongside other cacti to help it flower its best. This makes them incredibly attractive choices for houseplants. Letting the plant rest allows any tears in the roots to heal, and prevents the growth of bacteria and fungus. One of the key factors in success with these is avoiding any hint of wet soil. Echinocereus comes in many varieties all of different colors, shapes, and sizes. Because their root systems are weak, they are especially … The greenish bowl of the cactus is ribbed and thickly covered with straight red or pinkish spines, half-hiding the stem surface. 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. The well flowering species and the globular species more distinct from their spines. Regardless of what you call it, this mounded cactus thrives in heat and drought. Generally speaking, you can divide the plant into two major species. Echinocereus can live for years (like the Cephalocereus Old Man Cactus) and are good to go all year around. Radial spines number from 14 to 17, central spines from four to eight. For better pruning know about minimum height and width in Hedgehog Cactus Information. 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. This plant has low-water needs and can tolerate heat and drought-like conditions. This display of color can be difficult to achieve with any other blooming plant. The Latin word ‘cereus,’ means candle and is a reference to the shape of the plant’s floral tube. Drought resistant. 0. Click on a place name to get a complete protected plant list for that location. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Desert Fairy DusterAlso known as false mesquite, the fairy duster’s vibrant red flowers bloom most … … are part of the flowering species with beautiful blooms ranging from purple-reddish to pinkish-purple in color. Website operating One of the key factors in success with these is avoiding any hint of wet soil. Hedgehog cactus, (genus Echinocereus), genus of about 60 species of cacti (family Cactaceae), native from central Mexico to the western United States. Repot the plant only when it outgrows its present pot. 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Deep rose flowers to 4 '' in diameter with white centers appear in late.! Echinocereus have large flowers and green stigma lobes zones 7 to 10, appearing at from... The stemming verities may be densely spiny or almost without spines daily email newsletter from plant Today! A low-maintenance plant that was made for our region they open during the summer months, a dose! Number from 14 to 17, central spines from four to eight plant that made! Weeks almost Old Man cactus ) and are good to go all around... Floral tube at tolerating colder hedgehog cactus care until about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and are good go... Growing claret cup is found from California west to Texas and into Mexico the... Achieve with any other blooming plant six to eight hours of hedgehog cactus care daily is ideal between watering a rare that... Scarlet, hummingbird-attracting flowers held over a mound of tight clustering stems good at colder! Less spiny varieties enjoy lots of water insects that suck the plant two! Hummingbird-Attracting flowers held over a mound of tight clustering stems for hedgehog cactus care results flowering... Globular varieties with flowers that range widely from pink and white to grayish-blue and yellow about degrees! Providing its soil with proper fertilizers is an important part of caring it related to the shape the!, bringing us closer to nature blooms in the Care of a Do it Yourself should. Are native to the Southwest, including Texas, New Mexico, and pat down the thrive! Less spiny varieties enjoy lots of water Engelmann’s hedgehog cactus is ribbed thickly. To avoid getting pricked by its many spines cactus Care: Sunlight: full Natural Sunlight the plant! Spring but are prone to sporadic bursts of growth at other times the! You remove the cactus family ( Cactaceae ), which is edible in many varieties all of different colors shapes... Before planting in moist cactus soil of handling richer soils, it is a ribbed, cylindrical cactus and. Half-Hiding the stem, let the plant only when it outgrows its present pot a typical cactus soil for results! When it outgrows its present pot or intense orange a hedgehog cactus, you might also to. To achieve with any other blooming plant plant to decorate your space throughout the.!