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Description
Echinocereus Viridiflorus Subsp. Chloranthus, commonly known as green flowered hedgehog cactus, is a species of flowering plant in the Cactaceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. This cactus has cylindrical stems that can grow up to 10 cm in diameter and 20 cm tall. It produces beautiful green flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Echinocereus |
| Species | Viridiflorus |
| Subspecies | Chloranthus |
Appearance
The Echinocereus Viridiflorus Subsp. Chloranthus cactus has cylindrical stems that are light green in color and covered with white hair-like structures. The stems can grow up to 20 cm tall and 10 cm in diameter. The plant produces green flowers that are up to 7.5 cm in diameter. The flowers have numerous petals that form a star shape. The cactus blooms in spring and summer.
Care Guide
Water: Water the cactus thoroughly when the soil is dry. During the growing season, water it once a week. In winter, water it once a month.
Fertilization: Fertilize the cactus once a month during the growing season with a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is specifically formulated for cacti and succulents.
Sunlight: The Echinocereus Viridiflorus Subsp. Chloranthus cactus prefers full sun to partial shade. Place it in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: This cactus is hardy in USDA zones 7a to 10b.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Echinocereus Viridiflorus Subsp. Chloranthus cactus is susceptible to root rot, mealybugs, and spider mites. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while mealybugs and spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Echinocereus Viridiflorus Subsp. Chloranthus cactus is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It can be found in rocky and sandy soils in desert regions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Echinocereus Viridiflorus Subsp. Chloranthus cactus?
A: Water the cactus thoroughly when the soil is dry. During the growing season, water it once a week. In winter, water it once a month.
Q: What kind of fertilizer should I use for my Echinocereus Viridiflorus Subsp. Chloranthus cactus?
A: Fertilize the cactus once a month during the growing season with a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Q: How much sunlight does my Echinocereus Viridiflorus Subsp. Chloranthus cactus need?
A: The cactus prefers full sun to partial shade. Place it in a location where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Q: What pests and diseases should I watch out for with my Echinocereus Viridiflorus Subsp. Chloranthus cactus?
A: The cactus is susceptible to root rot, mealybugs, and spider mites. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while mealybugs and spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Related Plants
- Echinocereus reichenbachii
- Echinocereus engelmannii
- Echinocereus viridiflorus
- Echinocereus fitchii
References
- “Echinocereus viridiflorus subsp. chloranthus.” World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- “Echinocereus viridiflorus.” DesertUSA, www.desertusa.com/flora/echinocereus-viridiflorus.html.
- “Echinocereus viridiflorus subsp. chloranthus.” CactiGuide, www.cactiguide.com/cactus/?genus=Echinocereus&species=viridiflorus&taxon=subsp_chloranthus.
