Echinocereus

This group consists of about fifty cacti from the southern U.S. and Mexico. These pretty cacti come in a wide range of shapes and colors. Some species form round, spiny mounds and are commonly called Hedgehog Cacti, while others develop thin, rambling stems. The flower buds of these succulents form inside the stems, bursting out near the stem tips in late spring and early summer. The flowers open completely in full sun and come in an array of colors such as yellow, orange, red, pink, purple and white. Since the flowers break through the skin as they open, a small scar may be left behind. Sometimes the dead flowers can cause a stem to rot; therefore, remove any withered flowers. E. chloranthus (Cylinder Bells) is an interesting species that grows up to 5 inches high. Its colorful spines range from red or brown to cream. In the spring, an abundance of brownish-green flowers are produced at the plant's crown. This variety needs a dry winter dormancy. E. rigidissimus var. rubrispinus (Rainbow Cactus) is a very pretty variety that grows up to 8 inches high with a 2-inch diameter. In good light, the short spines of this plant will grow in red and white bands. This plant will blossom when fairly young. In early summer, a ring of 23/4-inch, pink to magenta, light-throated flowers are produced at the crown of each stem. E. triglochidiatus (Claret Cup Hedgehog) grows up to 8 inches high producing corrugated ribs armed with formidable spines. The beautiful, cup-shaped flowers of this plant have brilliant scarlet petals and contrasting bright green stigmas. Small, pink berries follow the blossoms. E. papillosus forms clumps of sprawling stems, 3/4- to 11/4-inch thick and 12 inches long. This species is excellent for growing in hanging baskets. In early summer, 41/2-inch, yellow flowers with red centers are produced.

Pot Cultivation

This group is suitable for growing in containers in a greenhouse or home and as landscape plants in regions where the minimum temperature is 36° to 45° F (depending on the variety). Though they flower best if kept at a temperature of about 50� F in the winter, some species can survive light frost. During the winter the cold hardy species dehydrate and look limp, but this prevents them from freezing; they will perk up again come spring. The best compost to use for these plants consists of four parts sandy loam, and one part of equal quantities of coarse sand and crushed brick. Repotting should be done in April, but they really only have to be moved into larger pots if the growth in unsatisfactory. The pots need to have adequate drainage with the compost packed firmly with a potting stick. After potting, no water should be given until the soil is fairly dry. Well-rooted plants can be watered freely from April to August after which the water supply is gradually decreased until just enough is given throughout the winter to keep the stems from shriveling.

Propagation

Seeds can be sown in pots of sandy soil in the summer. They should be covered thinly with sifted soil and a pane of glass until they start to grow. Once they sprout, the glass is removed and the seedlings are later planted one inch apart in pans of fine soil. When they are large enough, they are potted in small pots. Cuttings of some varieties may be rooted in sand.