Contents
Description
Echinocereus Fendleri, also known as the Fendler’s Hedgehog Cactus, is a unique plant that belongs to the Cactaceae family. This cactus is native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, and it is often found growing in rocky areas and on hillsides. The Echinocereus Fendleri has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of up to 10 cm and can grow up to 30 cm in height. Its stem is covered with spines that can grow up to 5 cm long, and it produces vibrant pink to purple flowers that bloom in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Echinocereus |
Appearance
The Echinocereus Fendleri has a cylindrical stem that can be up to 30 cm tall and 10 cm in diameter. The stem is covered with spines that can grow up to 5 cm long. Its vibrant pink to purple flowers bloom in the summer and have a diameter of up to 5 cm. The flowers are followed by small, red fruits that contain black seeds. This cactus has a unique appearance that makes it a popular plant for collectors and gardeners alike.
Care Guide
The Echinocereus Fendleri is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it requires specific conditions to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this cactus:
Water
Water the Echinocereus Fendleri sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering. In the winter, reduce watering to once a month to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Echinocereus Fendleri with a cactus-specific fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Soil
Plant the Echinocereus Fendleri in a well-draining cactus soil mix. This cactus prefers sandy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sunlight
The Echinocereus Fendleri prefers full sunlight and can tolerate partial shade. Place it in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
The Echinocereus Fendleri is hardy in USDA zones 7b to 10b.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Echinocereus Fendleri is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites. To prevent infestations, inspect the cactus regularly and treat any problems immediately. This cactus can also be prone to root rot if overwatered, so be sure to let the soil dry out completely between watering to prevent this problem.
Habitat
The Echinocereus Fendleri is native to the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, where it grows in rocky areas and on hillsides. This cactus prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate hot, dry conditions. It is often cultivated by gardeners and collectors for its unique appearance and vibrant flowers.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water the Echinocereus Fendleri?
A: Water the Echinocereus Fendleri sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering. In the winter, reduce watering to once a month to prevent root rot.
Q: Can the Echinocereus Fendleri tolerate partial shade?
A: Yes, the Echinocereus Fendleri can tolerate partial shade, but it prefers full sunlight.
Q: What type of soil does the Echinocereus Fendleri prefer?
A: The Echinocereus Fendleri prefers well-draining cactus soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Q: What are the hardiness zones for the Echinocereus Fendleri?
A: The Echinocereus Fendleri is hardy in USDA zones 7b to 10b.
Related Plants
- Echinocereus engelmannii
- Echinocereus coccineus
- Echinocereus reichenbachii
- Echinocereus dasyacanthus
References
- Arizona State University. (n.d.). Echinocereus fendleri. Retrieved from https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php?id=153
- Benson, L. (1982). The Cacti of the United States and Canada. Stanford University Press.
- Cactus Art. (n.d.). Echinocereus fendleri. Retrieved from https://cactus-art.biz/schede/ECHINOCEREUS/Echinocereus_fendleri/Echinocereus_fendleri/Echinocereus_fendleri.htm
