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Description
Echinocereus Viridiflorus, commonly known as the green-flowered hedgehog cactus, is a small cactus species native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It belongs to the Cactaceae family and is a favorite among cacti enthusiasts for its striking appearance and low maintenance needs.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Echinocereus |
Appearance
Echinocereus Viridiflorus is a small, slow-growing cactus that can reach up to 6 inches in height and 8 inches in diameter. It has a single stem that is covered in spines and woolly hairs, which help protect it from predators and retain moisture. The stem is green and cylindrical, with prominent ribs that are covered in areoles where the spines and hairs grow. During spring and summer, Echinocereus Viridiflorus produces beautiful green flowers that can be up to 2 inches in diameter. The flowers are bell-shaped and have a bright green color, which gives the plant its common name. After flowering, the plant produces small reddish-purple fruits that contain tiny black seeds.
Care Guide
Echinocereus Viridiflorus is a hardy cactus that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:- Water: Water your cactus sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering. During the winter months, reduce watering to once a month.- Fertilization: Fertilize your cactus once a month during the growing season using a balanced cactus fertilizer.- Soil: Use a well-draining cactus mix that contains sand, perlite, and peat moss.- Sunlight: Echinocereus Viridiflorus prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: This cactus is hardy in zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Echinocereus Viridiflorus is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be prevented by using a well-draining soil mix and allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
Habitat
Echinocereus Viridiflorus is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in rocky, well-draining soils in desert and semi-desert regions. It can tolerate extreme temperatures and drought conditions, making it a hardy and adaptable plant.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water Echinocereus Viridiflorus?
A: Water your cactus sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between watering. During the winter months, reduce watering to once a month.
Q: What kind of soil should I use for Echinocereus Viridiflorus?
A: Use a well-draining cactus mix that contains sand, perlite, and peat moss.
Q: What kind of sunlight does Echinocereus Viridiflorus prefer?
A: Echinocereus Viridiflorus prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: What are the common pests that affect Echinocereus Viridiflorus?
A: Echinocereus Viridiflorus is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
Related Plants
Here are some related cactus species that you may also enjoy:- Echinocereus coccineus- Echinocactus grusonii- Ferocactus wislizeni- Gymnocalycium mihanovichii- Mammillaria elongata
References
– “Echinocereus Viridiflorus.” World of Succulents. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://worldofsucculents.com/echinocereus-viridiflorus-green-flower-hedgehog-cactus/.- “Echinocereus Viridiflorus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286695&isprofile=0&basic=Echinocereus%20viridiflorus.- “Echinocereus Viridiflorus.” Cactus Jungle. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://cactusjungle.com/product/echinocereus-viridiflorus/.
