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Cactus SucculentConservatory Greenhouse

Echinopsis chamaecereus
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

peanut cactus

A mat-forming cactus with slender, sprawling, ribbed stems and funnel-shaped vermilion-red flowers 5-7cm in length in summer

Synonyms
Chamaecereus silvestrii
Chamaecereus silvestrii crassicaule
see moreCereus silvestrii
Lobivia silvestrii
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Orange Red
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing
Genus

Echinopsis can have spherical or cylindrical, heavily ribbed and spiny stems, with funnel-shaped flowers in spring or summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Argentina

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a loam-based potting compost with added extra grit. Water moderately when in growth, sparingly when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times in the growing season

Propagation

Propagate by seed or offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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