Description
Special Features of Echinocactus
Echinocactus is a genus of globular succulents of the cactus family Cactaceae. Succulents are the plants that have special tissues for retaining moisture in arid climates. Succulents can store water in the leaves or stem, with the leaves completely reduced. The vast majority of species currently classified into to the cacti family are stem succulents.
There has been disagreement about the number of species in the genus:
- The Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopaedic Dictionary (Volume XLI, half-volume 81, 1904) refers to about 200 species growing wild across the New World from the southwestern part of the US to Brazil.
- The Big Soviet Encyclopaedia limits the number of species to about 10.
- According to GREENINFO.RU web site, the number of species is 6.
- The authoritative GRIN web site (see Schefflera for more information) includes 64 species into the genus.
- Wikipedia is vague mentioning about 12 species and limiting their habitat to subtropical deserts of Mexico and the US (Mojave made renowned by writers and film producers is mentioned separately).
Echinocactus is often called Hedgehog Cactus, although hedgehogs are not found in North or South Americas. The common name refers to bristling needles similar to those of hedgehogs. The Greek word "echinos" means "hedgehog".
Echinocactus grusonii is especially popular among exotic plant lovers. The German scientist, inventor, and industrialist Herman Gruson who lived in the 19th century had the largest in Europe collection of cacti and gave it to the city of Magdeburg. The generous man's name was carved in the name of a whole cacti genus of Grusonia containing 17 species.
Echinocactus Grusonii is native to Central Mexico and can reach up to 80 centimeters across and 130 centimeters in height. It features up to three dozen ribs, rigid amber spines up to 5 centimeters long, and yellow (or sometimes pink) flowers of up to 6 centimeters long. Thus, the plant perfectly justifies its names of Golden Barrel, Golden Ball, and Mother-in-Law's Cushion. A mature plant blooms infrequently in the summer and wears a crown of golden fuzzy wool on the apex all year round. On each flower stalk, a scaly fruit with black seeds develops.
The Secrets to Successfully Growing Echinocactus
The plant thrives in bright light. There is no need to protect it from direct sunlight. Place the plant in the southern or western exposure window.However, do not expose the plant to full sun immediately after the obligatory resting period from October to April that is supposed to be cool (see below).
During the active growth period approximately until mid-August, water abundantly, ideally in the evening, but not excessively. In other words, do not allow the soil dry out and do not overwater. Gradually reduce the amount of water and stop watering by October. In the winter, the soil should be completely dry otherwise rotting will occur at the base of the plant. Water with the highest discretion not more than once every 7-10 days only if the room temperature exceeds 15 ° C. Avoid wetting the body of the plant because water can penetrate microcracks and cause rot.
Echinocactus is tolerant to dry air but will benefit from regular misting with warm water.
The best conditions are heat, the sun, the open air, clear sky in the summer (the plant can withstand relatively sharp temperature variations between day and night) and the temperature of 8-12 ° C in the winter (minimum permissible temperature is +5 ° C) . If you leave your plant on a windowsill in an unheated room in the winter, use a stand under the pot to make sure the roots are not too cold.
From the late spring until mid-summer, regularly apply cacti fertilizer. Starting from August, fertilize less frequently to prepare your plant for a period of complete rest. Starting from March, gradually resume feeding. Sometimes, you may apply a weak solution of compound mineral fertilizer.
Some experts recommend avoiding repotting because of the fragility of the roots. But over time the roots will appear outside the bottom drainage hole and you will have to repot anyway. Ideally, any repotting should be done in the spring. Repot young specimens annually or once every 2 years and mature plants as necessary, once in 4-5 years. Use a wide pot and ensure good drainage. Prepare slightly acidic (pH = 5.0-6.0) well-drained soil mixture from loam, leaf mold, peat, and coarse sand at 2:1:1:1. You might want to add small amounts of humus and brick chips. To help the plant to develop sturdier spines, add old lime or egg shell as a source of calcium (3-5% vol.). Finally, sprinkle the root neck with sand. Ensure the air can easily come to the roots by carefully loosening the soil from time to time trying not to harm the roots.
Echinocactus can be propagated only from seed. This is not easy as each seedling will need pricking, i.e. deliberate damage to the root system by removal of the root tip to stimulate its branching.
Theoretically, there is no need for regular pruning of spines or the stem. Practically, you may need to have to cut out the diseased parts of the plant. Powder the cuts with sulphur.
Potential Problems
Remember and follow the general rule for growing cacti: Better underwater than overwater. If you have overwatered Echinocactus too often, it will develop black rot. The same will happen if you grow it in a pot with poor drainage.
Severe underwatering will cause the stem wrinkle making it less attractive.
Wear thick gloves when handling cacti because a prick can be not only painful but also bear the risk of infection.
Cacti do not tolerate being placed close to violets because pollen of violets is detrimental to them.
Remove mealybugs with a wet swab. If case of severe infestation, daily treat the plant with insecticide.
To destroy spider mites, mist the affected plant with tobacco and green soap solution, strong chamomile solution, or insecticide. Two or three hours later, wash Echinocactus with warm water.
For scale insects and soft scale, use tobacco and soap solution and add some kerosene. Use a toothbrush to carefully scrape off the scales under which the larvae develop.