Care of the cactus Eriosyce curvispina or Cactus curvispinus |
|
The genus Eriosyce, family Cactaceae, includes 35 species of cactus native to Chile, Peru, and Argentina. Some species are: Eriosyce curvispina, Eriosyce taltalensis, Eriosyce senilis, Eriosyce paucicostata, Eriosyce napina, Eriosyce esmeraldana, Eriosyce crispa. Scientific synonyms: Cactus curvispinus, Echinocactus curvispinus, Neoporteria curvispina, Horridocactus curvispinus, Pyrrhocactus curvispinus. This species is native to Atacama and Valparaiso, Chile. They are cacti with a solitary globose body of brown, reddish or blackish green color that reach 15 cm (5.9") in height and 20 cm (7.87") in diameter. They have 13-18 ribs with tubercles and oval areolas with white wool and 7-14 radial spines and 4-6 central spines 3 cm (1.18") in length. The showy flowers, up to 4 cm (1.57") in diameter, appear at the apex of the plant and can be white, orange, red or yellow. They bloom in summer. They are used in rockeries, in pots for terraces, patios and windows and as indoor plants in well-ventilated and well-lit rooms. Eriosyce curvispina needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. In winter the temperature should not be lower than 6 ºC (42.8 ºF). The soil must be well drained; use a commercial cactus substrate with 25% coarse siliceous sand. Water moderately in spring and summer, waiting for the soil to completely dry out. Water occasionally in fall and do not water in winter. They do not need fertilizers or pruning. They are sensitive plants to excess watering and high humidity. They are easily propagated from seed sown in spring. New plants grow fast and can flower early. |
Images of the cactus Eriosyce curvispina or Cactus curvispinus |
 Eriosyce curvispina |