Care of the cacti Echinopsis rhodotricha or Echinopsis valida |
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The genus Echinopsis, family Cactaceae, comprises about 150 species of cacti native to South America. Some species are: Echinopsis rhodotricha, Echinopsis schickendantzii, Echinopsis pachanoi, 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 mamillosa. Scientific synonym: Echinopsis valida. This species is native to Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Bolivia. They are cacti with a globular body (cylindrical with age) and a tussock habit that reach 80 cm (31.5") in height. They have 8-13 rounded ribs and woolly areoles with 4-7 radial spines up to 2 cm (0.78") long and one or no central spine. They produce spectacular white flowers up to 9 cm (3.54") in diameter. They are used in rockeries, in cactus and succulent gardens, and in pots for windows, balconies, and patios. Echinopsis rhodotricha grows in full sun and light shade exposures. Soil can be a commercial substrate for cacti but they will grow in any type of soil that has good drainage. Water moderately in spring, summer and autumn, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. Do not water in winter. Fertilize in summer with mineral fertilizer for cacti. Pruning is not necessary. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess water in the roots. They are propagated from seeds sown at the end of winter and by separation of suckers. |
Images of the cacti Echinopsis rhodotricha or Echinopsis valida |
 Echinopsis rhodotricha |