Accepted Scientific Name: Echinocereus pulchellus (Mart.) C.F.Först. ex F.Seitz
Nova Acta Phys.-Med. Acad. Caes. Leop.-Carol. Nat. Cur. 16(1): 342, t. 23, f. 2. 1832
Echinocereus pulchellus
This species produces very beautiful bright pink blooms, and it is aptly named, as the epithet pulchellus means “pretty”.
Origin and Habitat: Mexico (northern Oaxaca, Puebla, Hidalgo, San Luis Potosi, and Queretaro)
Ecology: It is a geophyte cactus with a swollen underground storage taproot, in the wild tends to disappear completely in the ground in time of drought.
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Echinocereus pulchellus
Description: Echinocereus pulchellusSN|8588]]SN|8588]] ranges over almost 1600 km from north to south down the backbone of Mexico, and many forms and subspecies are recognized.
Habit: It is a tiny flat species that offsets sparingly, if at all.
Stems: Hemispherical, only 2-4 cm in diameter with short tubercles. The tubercles are arranged in ribs, sometimes subtly spiraled.
Spines: Inconspicuous in clusters of 3–7 spines.
Flowers: At the top of stems, showy, pinkish-white to hot-pink up to 4 cm across.
Bibliography: Major references and further lectures
1) Edward Anderson “The Cactus family” Timber Press, Incorporated, 2001
2) James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey "The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass" Cambridge University Press, 11/Aug/2011
3) David R Hunt; Nigel P Taylor; Graham Charles; International Cactaceae Systematics Group. "The New Cactus Lexicon" dh books, 2006
4) Nathaniel Lord Britton, Joseph Nelson Rose “Cactaceae: Descriptions and Illustrations of Plants of the Cactus Family” Volume 3, 1922
Echinopsis pulchella (Echinocereus pulchellus) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelli
Echinopsis pulchella (Echinocereus pulchellus) Photo by: Andrea B.
Echinopsis pulchella (Echinocereus pulchellus) Photo by: Andrea B.Send a photo of this plant.The gallery now contains thousands of pictures, however it is possible to do even more. We are, of course, seeking photos of species not yet shown in the gallery but not only that, we are also looking for better pictures than those already present.
Read More... Cultivation and Propagation: It is relatively easy to grow on its own roots.
Growth rate: It is a relatively slow growing and easily flowering species that will make clumps given the best conditions.
Soils: It likes very porous standard cactus mix soil.
Repotting: It has a strong tap root and should have a deep pot to accommodate it. Use pot with good drainage.
Watering: Water carefully, too much water will make it rot, keep dry in winter.
Fertilization: Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer.
Hardiness: Keep dry at minimum temperature of 5° C in winter although will tolerate brief periods to -10 degrees. Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade. However warmth throughout the year will increase the grower's success (5-12°C during rest season).
Exposition: Outside full sun to light shade or afternoon shade, inside it needs bright light, and some direct sun. Subject to sunburn if exposed to direct sun for too long. Tends to bronze in strong light, which encourages flowering.
Uses: It is an excellent plant for container growing. It always looks good and stays small. It look fine in a cold greenhouse and frame or outdoor in a rockery.
Pests & diseases: It may be attractive to a variety of insects, but plants in good condition should be nearly pest-free, particularly if they are grown in a mineral potting-mix, with good exposure and ventilation. Nonetheless, there are several pests to watch for:
- Red spiders: Red spiders may be effectively rubbed up by watering the plants from above.
- Mealy bugs: Mealy bugs occasionally develop aerial into the new growth among the wool with disfiguring results, but the worst types develop underground on the roots and are invisible except by their effects.
- Scales: Scales are rarely a problem.
- Rot: Rot is only a minor problem with cacti if the plants are watered and “aired” correctly. If they are not, fungicides won't help all that much.
Propagation: It grow easily from seed or cutting (if available).
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