Echinopsis CHRYSANTHA

Echinopsis CHRYSANTHA - Golden-flowered echinopsis, Chrysantha lobivia, Lobivia CHRYSANTHA, Echinopsis chrysantha.

Echinopsis is a genus of cacti in the family Cactaceae, comprising more than 120 species growing in South America, predominantly in Argentina, Bolivia, and Uruguay.

The genus is represented by spherical or short-stemmed cacti with numerous ribs, large areoles, and a variety of spines - from short to long, thin, and curved. Plants frequently elongate with age, forming a columnar shape. A distinctive feature of echinopsis is large funnel-shaped flowers on a long tube, opening at night or in the early morning hours.

Flowers form in spring and summer, being white, pink, red, or salmon-colored, with a strong fragrance. Flowering does not last long - from one to three days. The fruits are fleshy, oblong, with a soft rind. Seeds are black, small, rounded, with a glossy surface.

Chrysantha echinopsis is a small cactus with a solitary spherical stem up to 8 cm (3.1 in) in diameter, dark green or gray-green in color. Ribs are distinct, straight, separated by deep furrows, with prominent tubercles. Areoles are rounded, with grayish pubescence, located on the tips of the tubercles. Spines are numerous, slender, rigid: up to 10 radial and 1-2 central, colored in gray-brown or brown tones, slightly curved, giving the plant a spiny appearance.

Flowering is observed in spring and early summer. The flowers are diurnal, funnel-shaped, large, bright yellow or golden-yellow, with glossy petals and orange stamens. They are located singly at the upper part of the stem. The floral tube is short and pubescent. The fruits are oblong, green, containing small black seeds.

Seeds are sown on the surface of a moistened loose mineral substrate. The sowings are covered with a transparent lid. Ventilation 1-2 times a day is provided, and the temperature is maintained within 22-26 °C (72-79 °F).

Seedlings emerge within 5-15 days. The maximum germination period is up to 25 days. Pricking out is performed upon the appearance of the first spines; seedlings are transplanted into individual containers and gradually acclimated to bright light.

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Echinopsis is suitable for indoor cultivation. It is placed on a sunny windowsill, preferably of southern orientation. In spring, gradual acclimation to the sun is recommended to avoid burns. During the period of active growth, a temperature of 20-28 °C (68-82 °F) is maintained. In winter, maintenance at 8-10 °C (46-50 °F) in a dry room is preferred. Watering is carried out rarely, only after the substrate has dried out completely. In winter, watering practically ceases.

A loose mineral substrate with sand and fine gravel is used. Repotting is carried out in spring once every 2-3 years, into deep and stable pots. Drainage is mandatory. During the growing season, cactus fertilizers are applied once every 3-4 weeks. Fertilizing ceases with the onset of autumn. Nitrogen fertilizers are not used.

Shaping is not performed. Propagation is carried out by seeds and offsets, which root easily during the warm season. Flowering is possible already several years after rooting.