Care of the plant Eriosyce aurata or Echinocactus auratus |
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The genus Eriosyce, family Cactaceae, comprises 35 species of cactus native to Chile, Peru, and Argentina. Some species are: Eriosyce aurata, Eriosyce curvispina, Eriosyce taltalensis, Eriosyce senilis, Eriosyce paucicostata, Eriosyce napina, Eriosyce esmeraldana, Eriosyce crispa. Scientific synonym: Echinocactus auratus. This species is native to central and northern Chile. Eriosyce aurata is a barrel-shaped cactus with white wool at the apex that reaches 90 cm (2.95 feet) in height and 50 cm in diameter. It has 30-35 ribs and hard, slightly curved spines that are reddish, yellow or whitish-grey in colour. The showy funnel-shaped red flowers appear at the apex of the plant and are 5 cm (1.96") long. They take several years to bloom (adulthood). Echinocactus auratus is used in rockeries, on dry and sunny slopes, in cactus and succulent gardens, in pots for patios and terraces and as an indoor plant next to a south-facing window. Eriosyce aurata prefers full sun exposure but also grows well in light shade. The safe winter temperature is 5 ºC (41 ºF) although it can withstand occasional light frosts of up to -4 ºC (25 ºF). It tolerates intense heat better than cold. The soil must drain well, for which a mixture of 75% coarse sand and 25% normal garden soil can be used. Water occasionally in spring and summer, always waiting for the substrate to be completely dry; it is very resistant to drought. Do not water from late autumn to early spring. Echinocactus auratus does not need fertilizer or pruning. It is a plant that does not usually present serious problems with pests and diseases but is very sensitive to excess moisture in the roots. If it is grown as an indoor plant, it must have good ventilation. Eriosyce aurata is propagated from seeds sown in spring or autumn in a sandy seedbed and by separating shoots if the mother plant produces them. |
Images of the plant Eriosyce aurata or Echinocactus auratus |
 Eriosyce aurata |