Care of the cactus Echinopsis huascha or Red Torch Cactus |
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The genus Echinopsis, family Cactaceae, comprises 150 species of cactus native to South America. Some species are: Echinopsis huascha, Echinopsis chiloensis, Echinopsis chamaecereus, Echinopsis candicans, Echinopsis bruchii, Echinopsis aurea, Echinopsis atacamensis, Echinopsis ancistrophora, Echinopsis oxygona, Echinopsis subdenudata, Echinopsis schickendantzii, Echinopsis mamillosa, Echinopsis tarijensis, Echinopsis schieliana, Echinopsis spachiana, Echinopsis pachanoi, Echinopsis rhodotricha, Echinopsis peruviana. Common names: Red Torch Cactus, Desert's blooming jewel. This species is native to northern Argentina. They are cacti of light green color and columnar bearing that branch from the base reaching 35 cm (13.77") in height. They have up to 14 little marked ribs with round areoles where 8 or 9 radial spines of cream color appear 0.5 (0.19") to 1 cm (0.39") in length and a thicker central spine. The attractive red flowers sprout at the apex and can measure 8 cm (3.14") in length and 5 cm (1.96") in diameter. These relatively fast growing plants are used in rockeries, in cactus and succulent gardens, and in pots for terraces, balconies, or well-lit interiors. Echinopsis huascha needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. In winter it is better not to suffer temperatures below 3 ºC (37.4 ºF). The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate with 20% siliceous coarse sand or a mixture of 25% black peat, 25% blond peat, 25% heather soil and 25% siliceous coarse sand. . Water regularly in spring and summer always waiting for the soil to completely dry out. Starting in autumn, reduce watering and do not water in winter. Fertilize in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti to promote flowering. They do not need pruning. They are plants quite resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excessive watering. They propagate by seeds sown in spring or by rooting shoots. |
Images of the cactus Echinopsis huascha or Red Torch Cactus |
 Echinopsis huascha  Echinopsis huascha  Echinopsis huascha |