Echinocereus rigidissimus

RHS Plant Profile
rainbow cactus

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Cactus Succulent

A solitary, evergreen cactus with radial spines curved slightly toward the stem. New spines are reddish-pink, fading to yellow or light pink when mature. Bright pink flowers with a white throat appear in Spring, borne atop the plant from younger aeroles

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Sand, Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Echinocereus can have deeply ribbed cylindrical or globose stems, sometimes forming clumps, and large funnel-shaped flowers
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based, sandy, potting compost with added grit, in full sun. Water moderately, do not allow roots to sit in water. Do not water at all when dormant. Apply a light balanced liquid fertiliser two or three times in the growing season. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or cuttings from the mother plant

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybug, scale insect and aphid

Diseases

May be susceptible to root rot if over-watered