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Description
Echinocereus Reichenbachii, commonly known as lace cactus, is a small cactus that grows up to 8 inches tall and 6 inches wide. It has a cylindrical stem with 8 to 13 ribs that are covered with small spines. Its flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and are pink or purple in color. This cactus is native to Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas in the United States and Chihuahua and Coahuila in Mexico.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Echinocereus |
Appearance
The Echinocereus Reichenbachii has a cylindrical stem that is usually green and can grow up to 8 inches tall and 6 inches wide. It has 8 to 13 ribs that are covered with small spines. Its flowers are pink or purple in color and bloom in late spring or early summer. The flowers are up to 2 inches in diameter and have numerous petals. The fruit of the Echinocereus Reichenbachii is a red or yellow berry that is edible but has a sour taste.
Care Guide
The Echinocereus Reichenbachii is a hardy cactus that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for caring for this cactus:
- Water: Water the cactus once a week during the growing season and once a month during the dormant season. Only water when the soil is completely dry.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the cactus once a month during the growing season with a cactus fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant the cactus in well-draining soil, such as cactus mix or sandy soil.
- Sunlight: The Echinocereus Reichenbachii prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: This cactus is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Echinocereus Reichenbachii is susceptible to a few pests and diseases:
- Mealybugs: These pests can be easily removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be prevented by allowing the soil to dry completely between watering.
- Scale insects: These pests can be removed with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Habitat
The Echinocereus Reichenbachii is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows in rocky, dry areas and can be found in grasslands, deserts, and canyons.
Question and Answer
- Q: What is the best soil for the Echinocereus Reichenbachii?
A: The Echinocereus Reichenbachii prefers well-draining soil, such as cactus mix or sandy soil. - Q: How often should I water the Echinocereus Reichenbachii?
A: Water the cactus once a week during the growing season and once a month during the dormant season. Only water when the soil is completely dry. - Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Echinocereus Reichenbachii?
A: This cactus is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11. - Q: What is the fruit of the Echinocereus Reichenbachii?
A: The fruit of the Echinocereus Reichenbachii is a red or yellow berry that is edible but has a sour taste.
Related Plants
- Echinocereus viridiflorus
- Echinocereus triglochidiatus
- Echinocereus fendleri
- Echinocereus coccineus
References
- “Echinocereus reichenbachii.” World of Succulents, n.d., https://worldofsucculents.com/echinocereus-reichenbachii-lace-cactus/. Accessed 8 Nov. 2021.
- “Echinocereus reichenbachii.” Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d., https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c877. Accessed 8 Nov. 2021.
- “Lace Cactus (Echinocereus reichenbachii).” Gardenia, n.d., https://www.gardenia.net/plant/echinocereus-reichenbachii-lace-cactus. Accessed 8 Nov. 2021.
