Care of the cactus Echinopsis chiloensis or Echinocereus chiloensis |
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The genus Echinopsis, family Cactaceae, comprises 150 species of cactus native to South America. Some species are: Echinopsis chiloensis, Echinopsis chamaecereus, Echinopsis candicans, Echinopsis bruchii, Echinopsis aurea, Echinopsis atacamensis, Echinopsis ancistrophora, Echinopsis oxygona, Echinopsis subdenudata, Echinopsis pachanoi, Echinopsis mamillosa, Echinopsis tarijensis, Echinopsis schieliana, Echinopsis spachiana, Echinopsis schickendantzii, Echinopsis rhodotricha, Echinopsis huascha, Echinopsis peruviana. Common name: Quisco. This species is native to Chile. They are columnar cacti that branch even from the base and reach 8 meters (26.24 feet) in height. They have 16-17 wide ribs and on the areolas there are thick yellowish spines that turn gray; they have a longer central spine and 8 to 12 radial spines. The flowers are large, white, and funnel-shaped. The fruits are edible. They are used as isolated specimens in cactus and succulent gardens, in rockery and in groups in dry areas of the garden; they are grown in pots when they are young. Echinopsis chiloensis needs very sunny exposure and high temperatures. It is better that in winter the temperature is not lower than 5 ºC (41 ºF). The soil must be sandy for excellent drainage; They appreciate that it contains organic matter. The pot transplant is done in early spring. Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. In winter there is no need to water. They do not need pruning. Fertilize with compost in early spring and with cactus fertilizer in early summer. Young plants can be attacked by mealybugs; if the humidity is excessive they can be attacked by fungal diseases. They propagate by seeds sown in spring or by separating suckers. |
Images of the cactus Echinopsis chiloensis or Echinocereus chiloensis |
 Echinopsis chiloensis  Echinopsis chiloensis  Echinopsis chiloensis  Echinopsis chiloensis  Echinopsis chiloensis  Echinopsis chiloensis |