Echinopsis Terscheckii

Description

Echinopsis Terscheckii, also known as the Argentine giant cactus or Cardon grande, is a species of cactus that is native to Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is known for its large size, which can reach up to 30 feet in height and 16 feet in width. The cactus has a greenish-blue stem that is ribbed and covered in small spines. During the spring and summer, Echinopsis Terscheckii produces large white flowers that bloom at night and close during the day.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Echinopsis Terscheckii is a large cactus that can grow up to 30 feet in height and 16 feet in width. The stem of the cactus is greenish-blue in color and ribbed. It is covered in small spines that can cause irritation if touched. The cactus produces large white flowers that bloom during the spring and summer. These flowers are around 6 inches in diameter and only bloom at night. The flowers close during the day and reopen at night.

Care Guide

Echinopsis Terscheckii is a relatively easy cactus to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered sparingly. The cactus should be fertilized once a month during the growing season. Echinopsis Terscheckii prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Water

Echinopsis Terscheckii should be watered sparingly. It is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water. During the growing season, the cactus should be watered once a week. In the winter, water should be reduced to once a month.

Fertilization

Echinopsis Terscheckii should be fertilized once a month during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10.

Soil

Echinopsis Terscheckii prefers well-draining soil. Use a cactus mix that contains sand, perlite, and peat moss.

Sunlight

Echinopsis Terscheckii prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Place the cactus in a location where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

Hardiness Zones

Echinopsis Terscheckii is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Echinopsis Terscheckii is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The cactus is also susceptible to root rot if overwatered.

Habitat

Echinopsis Terscheckii is native to Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. It grows in rocky, well-draining soil in areas with a dry, arid climate.

Question and Answer

Q: How often should I water Echinopsis Terscheckii?

A: Echinopsis Terscheckii should be watered sparingly. During the growing season, water once a week. In the winter, water once a month.

Q: What is the best soil for Echinopsis Terscheckii?

A: Echinopsis Terscheckii prefers well-draining soil. Use a cactus mix that contains sand, perlite, and peat moss.

Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Echinopsis Terscheckii?

A: Echinopsis Terscheckii is susceptible to mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. It can also suffer from root rot if overwatered.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for Echinopsis Terscheckii?

A: Echinopsis Terscheckii is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Related Plants

• Echinopsis oxygona
• Echinopsis subdenudata
• Echinopsis ancistrophora
• Echinopsis atacamensis

References

• Davis, T. (2011). Cacti of the Trans-Pecos and Adjacent Areas. University of Texas Press.
• Anderson, E. F. (2001). The Cactus Family. Timber Press.
• Maier, R. M. (2011). The Biology and Cultivation of Edible Cacti. University of California Press.