The Echinopsis is better known as the farmer's cactus. It is often referred to as the “false queen of the night” because it develops very large flowers. In contrast to the real queen of the night, these bloom longer and not just at night. There are numerous species of Echinopsis that differ in growth habit and flower colors.
What types of Echinopsis are there and how do you care for them?
Echinopsis species are versatile cacti with large, colorful flowers in white, pink, yellow, orange or red. Well-known varieties are Echinopsis adolfofriedrichii, Echinopsis eyriesii, Echinopsis ferox, Echinopsis huascha, Echinopsis chrysantha and Echinopsis schieliana. Care includes a bright location, winter rest and propagation through cuttings.
The different flower colors of the Echinopsis species
The range of Echinopsis flower colors is huge. Almost all colors except black, green, brown and blue are represented.
Some of the flowers are very large and are often longer and wider than the cactus itself. The first flowers develop when the Echinopsis is three years old.
All Echinopsis species only bloom if the cactus can rest during the winter with cool temperatures and little water. Some varieties branch heavily. Here you should cut off a few shoots so that the cactus has enough strength to form new flowers.
Known species of Echinopsis
| Variety name | Growth height | Flower color | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echinopsis adolfofriedrichii | up to 15 cm | white | blooms in the evening hours |
| Echinopsis eyriesii | up to 20 cm | pink-white | very long thorns |
| Echinopsis ferox | up to 30 cm | pink, white, yellow, red | long curved thorns |
| Echinopsis huascha | up to 100 cm | pink | strongly branched |
| Echinopsis chrysantha | up to 6 cm | yellow-orange | very small variety |
| Echinopsis schieliana | up to 5 cm | red, yellow | forms cushion |
| Rheingold hybrids | up to 30 cm | white, pink, yellowish |
Propagate Echinopsis through cuttings
Echinopsis can be propagated very well via cuttings. To do this, cut off side shoots in spring. The interfaces must dry for several days before being placed in prepared pots.
The cultivation pots are placed in a bright, warm place, but not in direct sunlight. You can tell that the offshoot has grown roots by the new shoots.
A bright location is important
All Echinopsis species need a very bright location. This also applies if you put Echinopsis outside in summer.
During the growth phase, temperatures should be between 18 and 26 degrees. In winter, the non-hardy Echinopsis needs a rest period with temperatures around 10 degrees.
Tip
Echinopsis hybrids are considered particularly robust varieties of this cactus species. They are cared for in the same way as other Echinopsis species.