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