Echinopsis arachnacantha
spider web-spined Easter lily cactus
A cactus with flattened, spherical dark green stems singly or in clusters to 5cm thick, with weakly notched ribs and clusters of recurved spines which broadly resemble small spiders. Large, cup-shaped flowers are usually yellow or orange, though occasionally white or red, and appear in late spring or early summer.
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0–0.1 metreGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | Yellow Orange White Red | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Yellow Orange White Red | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- Bolivia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a loam-based potting compost with added grit. Water moderately when in growth, sparingly when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser two or three times in the growing season. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 21ºC in spring, or by division, removing offsets in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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