Care of the cacti Echinocereus pentalophus or Lady Finger Cactus |
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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 pentalophus, Echinocereus sciurus, Echinocereus cinerascens, Echinocereus pectinatus, Echinocereus blanckii, Echinocereus rigidissimus, Echinocereus baileyi. Common names: Lady Finger Cactus, Dog Tail, Alicoche. This species is native to central and northern Mexico and Texas (USA). They are relatively fast-growing, light green cacti with prostrate pentagonal or quadrangular stems that reach 30 cm (11.8") in length. They have 4-5 ribs with yellowish areoles with 3-6 radial spines and a central spine. The large and showy purple flowers reach 10 cm (3.93") in diameter. They are used in rockeries, on low walls, in hanging pots, in cold greenhouses, and in well-lit and well-ventilated interiors. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens. The Echinocereus pentalophus can grow in full sun exposure but prefers light shade avoiding the afternoon sun. If the environment and the substrate are dry, they resist up to -10 ºC (14 ºF). They need a well-drained and slightly calcareous soil; use a commercial cactus substrate with 20% gravel or coarse siliceous sand. Always water moderately, waiting for the substrate to dry; water once a week in summer, every 2 weeks in spring, every 3 weeks in fall and do not water in winter. Fertilize with mineral fertilizer for cacti in early summer. They do not need pruning. The worst enemy is overwatering; Young plants can be attacked by mites and mealybugs especially if there is poor ventilation. They propagate easily by stem cuttings; Rooting in pot previously dried for two days before planting. They also reproduce by seed in the seedbed in spring. |
Images of the cacti Echinocereus pentalophus or Lady Finger Cactus |
 Echinocereus pentalophus  Echinocereus pentalophus |