Echinopsis, or cactus, is a unique and interesting plant with many different species. It’s a popular choice for gardens and indoor plants because of its easy care requirements and unique appearance.
If you’re thinking about adding an Echinopsis to your home or garden, here’s what you need to know about this fascinating plant.
Echinopsis is a large genus of cacti that includes about 60 different species.
Quick Facts On Echinopsis
- Family: Cactaceae
- Light: Full sun; Bright light
- Temperature: 50° to 90° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Drought tolerant; a good soaking weekly
- Fertilizer: Half-strength fertilizer every other month
- Propagation: Stem cuttings and seeds
- Common Problems: Root rot, mealybugs, spider mites
Echinopsis plants are native to South America and range in size from small, barrel-shaped cacti to large tree-like specimens.
They have spines, which can be sharp, and large flowers that bloom in various colors.
The most common household names for the Echinopsis are:
- Sea Urchin Cactus
- Hedgehog Cactus
- Easter lily Cactus
It gets its common name from its resemblance to the spiny ocean creature.
Echinopsis is a relatively easy plant to care for. If you are new to gardening or seem to kill every plant you touch, the Echinopsis is a good plant to start with.
So without further ado, let’s dive into how to care for this hardy little succulent!
Echinopsis Care
Echinopsis is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant that originates from South America.
Here, we will go over everything you need to know to care for this plant.
What Does The Sea Urchin Cactus Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
The Echinopsis plant is a cactus that can grow to be quite large. It can grow up to 12′ feet tall in its natural habitat!
However, when grown in a pot, it is more likely to max out at around 3′ to 4′ feet.
The Sea urchin cactus has a green stem with spines all over it.
When Does The Sea Urchin Cactus Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The flowers of the Echinopsis plant are huge and can be up to 8” inches in diameter. They come in various colors, including pink, red, orange, and yellow.
Something unique about the flowers of Sea urchin cactus flowers is that they actually open at night! And yes, they have a faint, almost spicy fragrance.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Your Echinopsis plant will do best in a sunny spot. However, some afternoon shade will be appreciated if you live in a hotter climate.
When grown outdoors, your Sea urchin cactus can tolerate temperatures as low as 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
However, when grown indoors, it is best to keep this plant in a room above 60° degrees Fahrenheit.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Sea Urchin Cactus?
Echinopsis are desert plants and therefore do not need a lot of water. They can actually tolerate long periods of drought.
When watering your Echinopsis, give it a good soaking and then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again.
It is best to fertilize your Sea urchin cactus only during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing.
Use a half-strength fertilizer and apply it every other month.
What Is The Best Soil For Echinopsis, And When Should You Transplant?
The best soil for the Echinopsis plant is a sandy, well-draining cactus mix.
Using distilled water or rainwater for your plant is a good idea if you live in an area with hard water.
Be sure to choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball of your plant and has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Sea urchin cactus generally does not need to be transplanted very often. Once every 2 to 3 years is usually sufficient.
You can, however, transplant your Echinopsis whenever it needs a new pot. It is best to do this during the spring.
Does Echinopsis Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
The Echinopsis plant is a very low-maintenance plant.
Once you have it in the right pot with the right soil type, it will be very easy to care for. Just keep an eye on your plant and water it when the soil has dried out completely.
Other than that, the Sea urchin cactus requires no special grooming or maintenance.
How To Over-Winter Echinopsis?
If you live in an area where the winters are cold, you will need to take some extra care of your Echinopsis plant.
First, make sure to bring it indoors before the first frost hits. Then, once indoors, place your plant in a sunny spot and water it only when the soil has completely dried out.
During the winter, your Sea urchin cactus will likely not need as much water as it does in spring and summer.
Just keep an eye on your plant and water it when necessary.
If you follow these tips, your Echinopsis plant will be happy and healthy all year long!
How To Propagate Sea Urchin Cactus?
There are two ways to propagate your Echinopsis plant:
- Stem cuttings
- Seeds
To propagate by stem cuttings, simply do the following:
- Take 4″ to 6″ inches of cutting from an existing plant and allow it to callous over for a few days.
- Once the cutting has calloused, plant it in well-draining cactus soil and water it lightly.
- Next, keep the cutting in a warm, sunny spot and wait for it to root.
This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
To propagate by seeds, here’s what you need to do:
- Sow the seeds in well-draining cactus soil and water them lightly.
- Keep the seeds in a warm, sunny spot and wait for them to germinate.
This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Once your Echinopsis plant has rooted, it’s time to start watering it regularly.
Water your plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Echinopsis plants are drought tolerant, so don’t be afraid to let the soil get on the dry side.
In fact, overwatering is one of the biggest mistakes you can make when caring for this type of plant.
Echinopsis Cactus Pests And Diseases
The Echinopsis plant is generally very tough and hardy. However, it can be susceptible to mealybugs and root rot.
Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the juices of plants. They can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap.
Root rot is a fungal disease caused by overwatering or planting in poorly draining soil.
If you suspect your plant has root rot, stop watering it and let the soil dry out completely.
Then, cut away any affected root areas and other parts of the plant that are black and mushy.
You may also need to repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
Suggested Uses for Easter Lily Cactus
As a decorative plant, the Echinopsis can be used in many ways.
It can be planted in the garden, in containers, or even in hanging baskets. It can also be grown as a houseplant or office plant.
When planting in the garden, choose a spot with full sun to partial shade.
Echinopsis plants are not cold-hardy, so in colder climates, they should be planted in a protected area or brought indoors for the winter.
Containers and hanging baskets are also good choices for growing Echinopsis plants. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and water your plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.
Whether growing your Sea urchin cactus indoors or out, it’s important to give it plenty of bright light.
However, too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, so if you’re growing it indoors, place it near a south-facing window.
Echinopsis plants are relatively low maintenance and easy to care for.
With a little love and attention, they will thrive and provide you with beautiful blooms for many years to come.