Care of the cacti Echinocereus sciurus or Cereus sciurus |
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The genus Echinocereus, family Cactaceae, includes 50 species of cactus native to Mexico and the United States. Some species are: Echinocereus sciurus, Echinocereus pentalophus, Echinocereus cinerascens, Echinocereus pectinatus, Echinocereus blanckii, Echinocereus rigidissimus, Echinocereus baileyi. Scientific synonyms: Cereus sciurus, Echinocereus subterraneus. This species is native to Baja California (USA). They are cacti of cespitose bearing that form groups that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height and more than 50 cm (19.68") in width. They have 12-17 ribs with small tubercles and circular areoles that have 15-18 fine yellowish radial spines and several central spines that almost cover the body of the plant. The attractive purplish-pink flowers are 9 cm in diameter and appear at the apex. They bloom in summer. They are used in rockery, cactus and succulent gardens and in pots for patios and terraces. Echinocereus sciurus needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. They resist temperatures up to 5 ºC (41 ºF); they prefer a winter rest at 10-12 ºC (50-53 ºF). They grow well in sandy and rocky soils; use a commercial cactus substrate with 20% coarse siliceous sand or volcanic gravel. They are very resistant to drought; water always waiting for the substrate to be completely dry. Do not water from the second half of autumn until spring begins. They do not need fertilizers or pruning. They do not have pest and disease problems if there is not excess moisture. They propagate by separation of suckers that the mother plant usually produces. |
Images of the cacti Echinocereus sciurus or Cereus sciurus |
 Echinocereus sciurus subs floresii  Echinocereus sciurus subs floresii |