Consulta Plantas

Care of the cactus Oroya peruviana or Echinocactus peruvianus

The genus Oroya, family Cactaceae, includes 3 species of cactus native to Peru. The species are: Oroya peruviana, Oroya baumannii, Oroya borchersii.

Scientific synonyms: Echinocactus peruvianus. This species is native to Peru.

They are cacti with a rounded dark green body that reach 40 cm (15.74") in height. They have up to 35 ribs with 20-30 yellow radial spines and 1-2 central spines. They produce pink and yellow flowers. They bloom from mid-spring to mid-summer.

Echinocactus peruvianus is used in pots and planters, in rockeries and in cactus and succulent gardens.

Oroya peruviana needs direct sun exposure and winter temperatures above 5 ºC (41 ºF); it appreciates a winter rest at 10 ºC (50 ºF).

The soil must drain very well; cultivate in sandy or rocky soils. Echinocactus peruvianus does not resist limestone soils.

Oroya peruviana has high resistance to drought; water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry completely. In winter do not water.

Fertilize in early spring with mineral cactus fertilizer.

Pruning is not necessary.

Excess moisture easily rots the plant.

Oroya peruviana is propagated from seeds sown in spring; it can produce suckers in adulthood.

Images of the cactus Oroya peruviana or Echinocactus peruvianus