Echinopsis subdenudata

El Echinopsis subdenudata it is one of the most common cacti that exist. It is one of the first that are usually bought when starting collections, but also its maintenance is rather low.

When it blooms it is a wonderful sight, as it produces large, beautiful white flowers. Do you want to know how to take care of it?

Origin and characteristics of Echinopsis subdenudata

El Echinopsis subdenudata It is a globular cactus about 10 centimeters high, endemic to Bolivia and Paraguay. Its body is dark green and is made up of 8 to 12 ribs, which have woolly areoles.. From these arise between 3 and 7 radial spines, and 1 central that measure 2 millimeters or less; in fact, they are not always present. As the years go by, or if it suffers any damage, it can emit suckers.

Blooms in spring and summer. The flowers are tubular in shape, and are between 15 and 22 centimeters long. They are generally white, but it is possible to find specimens that produce them of a pinkish-whitish color. Unfortunately, they remain open for one day, although as they are produced in large numbers this is not a problem.

What are the care it requires?

This is a very beloved cactus, but precisely for that reason we must know its needs, since otherwise we could, for example, over water it, or use a substrate that does not allow it to grow well.

So, let's see how to take care of it:

Location

Like any cactus, it is best to have it outside. If it does not receive direct sunlight, it will become etiolate. This means that it will grow towards the strongest light it has ever detected, narrowing its stem more and more and losing strength. Let us remember that the body of the Echinopsis subdenudata it is globular, not columnar. If it is etiolated, then it is difficult for it to recover completely (it will always have a 'rare' form).

But beware, it is also very important to avoid exposing it to the star king if it has been in shadow or semi-shadow all its life. Before leaving it exposed all day, you have to get used to it little by little. For example, you can leave it in the sun for an hour early in the morning for a week, and gradually increase the exposure time.

When to keep indoors?

Although the plant supports cold and weak frosts, it has a hard time when hail falls, let alone snow. For this reason, If temperatures drop to 0 degrees in your area, it is advisable, at least, to protect it with anti-frost fabric (for sale No products found.); and if they go down even more, then you have to put it in a greenhouse (for sale No products found.) or indoors.

In the event that you opt for this last option, it must be in a room where there is a lot of clarity. Also, there should be no drafts.

Irrigation

Irrigation will generally be low. It is necessary to water when the earth has completely dried. To give you an idea, in summer they are usually 1 or 2 times a week, and in winter once every 15-20 days or so (it depends a lot on the climate, type of land, and location).

Regardless of when you have to water, each time you do it you have to add water until the soil is well soaked. If it is potted, it should come out through the drainage holes. Of course: do not water when it is in direct sunlight, otherwise it would burn.

Earth

• Flower pot: you have to fill it with cactus substrate that is of quality (for sale No products found.), or with a mixture of peat with perlite in equal parts, or with pumice.
• Garden: the soil must have very good drainage; In addition, it is important that it is light so that the roots are properly oxygenated.

Subscriber

In spring and summer it is highly recommended to pay it. Use for them fertilizers for cacti (for sale No products found.) so that it does not lack nutrients, following the manufacturer's instructions.

When you add more than necessary, an overdose occurs, which damages the roots and therefore also the plant.

Multiplication

El Echinopsis subdenudata it multiplies by seeds, and sometimes also by suckers. This is done in spring or summer as follows:

• Seeds: they are sown in pots or trays with holes with previously watered quality cactus soil, and they are placed outside, in full sun or in an area with a lot of light. It is important that they are not piled up, as this way they will be able to grow without problems. If all goes well, they will germinate in about 20 days.
• Young: the suckers can be separated from the mother when they are at least 1 centimeter long, using a serrated knife previously disinfected with dish soap and water. Afterwards, they are left in a dry place with light (not direct) for a couple of days, and finally they are planted in individual pots with cactus soil.

Rusticity

I can tell you that resists up to -1,5ºC without suffering damage, but as we have mentioned above, if in your area below 0 degrees the ideal is to have it inside the house.

What did you think of the Echinopsis subdenudata?