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Description
Echinocereus Pentalophus, commonly known as Lady Finger Cactus, is a species of cactus native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a slow-growing cactus that can reach up to 30 cm in height and 15 cm in diameter. The plant produces a single stem with 5 to 8 ribs covered in small clusters of spines. During spring and summer, Echinocereus Pentalophus produces bright pink to magenta flowers that bloom from the top of the stem.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Echinocereus |
| Species | Pentalophus |
Appearance
Echinocereus Pentalophus has a cylindrical stem with 5 to 8 ribs covered in small clusters of spines that can range in color from white to light brown. The stem can grow up to 30 cm in height and 15 cm in diameter. During spring and summer, the plant produces bright pink to magenta flowers that bloom from the top of the stem. The flowers can reach up to 5 cm in diameter and have a tube-shaped throat.
Care Guide
Water: Echinocereus Pentalophus requires well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering.Fertilization: Fertilize Echinocereus Pentalophus once a month during the growing season with a cactus-specific fertilizer.Soil: Echinocereus Pentalophus requires well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A cactus or succulent-specific soil mix is recommended.Sunlight: Echinocereus Pentalophus requires full sun to thrive. Ensure that the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.Hardiness Zones: Echinocereus Pentalophus is hardy in USDA zones 9a to 11b.
Common Pests & Diseases
Echinocereus Pentalophus is susceptible to root rot if overwatered, as well as mealybugs and spider mites. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Use a cactus-specific insecticide to control mealybugs and spider mites.
Habitat
Echinocereus Pentalophus is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in rocky and sandy soils in desert and semi-desert regions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Echinocereus Pentalophus?
A: Water Echinocereus Pentalophus sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering.Q: What kind of soil does Echinocereus Pentalophus require?
A: Echinocereus Pentalophus requires well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A cactus or succulent-specific soil mix is recommended.Q: What hardiness zones is Echinocereus Pentalophus hardy in?
A: Echinocereus Pentalophus is hardy in USDA zones 9a to 11b.Q: What pests commonly affect Echinocereus Pentalophus?
A: Mealybugs and spider mites are common pests that affect Echinocereus Pentalophus.
Related Plants
Other species in the Echinocereus genus include:
- Echinocereus Engelmanii
- Echinocereus Fendleri
- Echinocereus Triglochidiatus
- Echinocereus Viridiflorus
References
- “Echinocereus Pentalophus.” Desert Botanical Garden, https://www.dbg.org/plants/echinocereus-pentalophus/.
- “Echinocereus Pentalophus.” Cactus and Succulent Society of America, https://cssainc.org/cactus-of-the-month/echinocereus-pentalophus/.
- “Echinocereus Pentalophus.” World of Succulents, https://worldofsucculents.com/echinocereus-pentalophus-lady-finger-cactus/.
