Echinopsis tarijensis or Poco

Care of the cactus Echinopsis tarijensis or Poco

The genus Echinopsis, family Cactaceae, comprises 150 species of cactus native to South America. Some species are: Echinopsis tarijensis, Echinopsis subdenudata, Echinopsis spachiana, Echinopsis schieliana, Echinopsis peruviana, Echinopsis oxygona, Echinopsis huascha, Echinopsis chiloensis, Echinopsis chamaecereus, Echinopsis candicans, Echinopsis bruchii, Echinopsis aurea, Echinopsis atacamensis, Echinopsis ancistrophora, Echinopsis schickendantzii, Echinopsis mamillosa, Echinopsis rhodotricha, Echinopsis pachanoi.

Common name: Poco. This species is native to Argentina and Bolivia.

They are large arborescent cacti with a dark green color that can branch almost from the base and reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. They have up to 25 ribs with oval areolas that have 20 yellowish spines 8 cm (3.14") long. The spectacular white, red or pink flowers can measure 20 cm (7.87") in diameter. The fruit is green and is 5 cm (1.96") long.

Due to its resistance to cold, it is an ideal plant to use in rockery, as isolated specimens, in small groups or in cactus and succulent gardens. They can be grown in pots when they are young.

Echinopsis tarijensis needs direct sun exposure and a dry climate. They resist occasional frosts.

They prefer a very well drained clay soil with coarse sand. Transplantation or planting is done in early spring.

Always water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry; every 15 days in spring, every 7 days in summer, every 20 days in autumn and do not water in winter.

They appreciate a fertilization in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti.

Pruning is not necessary.

They do not present problems of pests and diseases if there is not an excess of humidity and the ventilation is correct.

They propagate by stem cuttings or by seeds sown in spring in a sandy seedbed.