If you like cacti, but not those with thorns, the Echinopsis subdenudata can be an interesting addition to your plant collection. In addition, we are talking about one that hardly requires care.
Do you want to know what this cactus is like? And what do you need for it to flourish at home? Then take a look at what we have prepared to guide you.
How is the Echinopsis subdenudata
We must start by telling you that the Echinopsis subdenudata is not a rare species of cactus, nor is it hard to find. It is one of the most common and the truth is that its price is not high, quite the opposite.
It is also known by the name of Easter Lily and it is originally from Tarija, which is in Bolivia and Paraguay, although today it is cultivated all over the world due to the ease it has to adapt to the environment where you have it. In its natural habitat it is usually on the slopes or mountainous areas.
Physically, we are talking about a round cactus that has no thorns. Although this is not true at all. Yes it does, very small and barely perceptible to the eye. Plus, she has hairy areolas that draw a lot of attention. At first it grows solitary but it is easy for it to create suckers that grow from the base (to the point that they are capable of creating a colony).
The cactus, despite being round, has ribs. They can go from 8 to 12 and it is at the edges of these where you will have the hairy areolas (and the spines on them, although sometimes they do not have them).
Besides, you should know that it blooms between spring and summer. And it is worth seeing, especially since the flowers only last one day. Then they wither. These flowers, which can be pink or white, are tubular and can easily measure between 15 and 22 centimeters.
Echinopsis subdenudata care
As you can see, the Echinopsis subdenudata is a curious cactus, but very basic.ideal for beginners or those who can not spend much time with plants and still want to have some.
If you want to know what care you need, which we already warned you are very few, we have summarized everything in the following points.
location and temperature
We start with the best place to have the Echinopsis subdenudata. In this case, in its natural habitat it grows where it gets a lot of sun. Therefore, at home, we advise you to have it in full sun and outdoors.
Inside the house, in a very bright place, you could have it, but you will not be able to make it flourish and it will also weaken a lot, causing it to have trouble resisting.
Specifically, this cactus needs the sun to live. That is why it is not recommended that you place it in the shade or semi-shade (or indoors). Now, it does not mean that you have it inside and it is going to die. As we say, it can endure but like many other plants, it needs to be outdoors.
As for the temperature, the Echinopsis subdenudata is not a plant that is demanding. As you have seen, the heat supports it perfectly. In the case of cold, it can withstand temperatures down to less than 5ºC as long as the soil is dry.
Keep in mind that this cactus hibernates, which means that it does not need watering and that cold temperatures are good for it to regulate itself and know when to go into a dormant state and when to come out of it.
Substratum
We are talking about a cactus, which implies that the soil cannot be one that gives it a lot of moisture. Not if you want it to live and its roots not rot. Therefore, it is recommended that it be a mixture of light substrate and with good drainage.
A mixture could be cactus soil (or, failing that, universal soil) and perlite. (although you can also use pumice stone).
Usually the Echinopsis subdenudata is in a pot; it is rare that it is planted directly in the garden, so you have to make sure that it has drainage holes and that the pot is neither too big nor too small for the specimen you have.
Irrigation
The Echinopsis subdenudata is a cactus. Which implies that, at the level of irrigation, it should not need much. But the truth is that, with this one in particular, you are going to have to give it a little more water.
To give you an idea, the guideline is usually to water it in summer once a week (or every two weeks, depending on the weather). In winter, once a month is enough.
Both in spring and summer, which are the two seasons in which it grows, you have to be aware of irrigation because that is when it will demand it the most. Of course, make sure that, between watering and watering, the plant has dry land.
Subscriber
We could start by telling you that it is not necessary, that as a cactus it does not need it… But specifically the Echinopsis subdenudata does appreciate, and a lot, a little fertilizer during spring and summer.
Regarding the fertilizer to use, some opt for one rich in phosphorus and potassium, which helps flowering. But if you don’t have any on hand, you can take advantage of any that specializes in cacti.
pruning
Pruning the Echinopsis subdenudata It basically consists of removing the flower when it has withered. For the rest, you will not have to prune it in any way.
Plagues and diseases
The truth is that Echinopsis subdenudata is quite resistant. But you should be aware in case mites, mealybugs or fungi appear, which are the ones that can make the most damage to your health.
Multiplication
And we come to the end the spread of Echinopsis subdenudata. As we have told you before, this cactus produces shoots that come out of the base of the pot. So you would only have to cut them, let the cut dry (in both specimens) and replant them in another pot. In a matter of weeks they should put down their roots and get ahead.
You now have all the keys for your Echinopsis subdenudata to succeed. Do you dare to have this almost thornless cactus at home?
