Echinocereus REICHENBACHII 'ARMATUS'

Echinocereus REICHENBACHII 'ARMATUS' - Reichenbach's lace cactus 'Armatus', Echinocereus reichenbachii 'Armatus'.

Echinocereus is a genus of cacti in the family Cactaceae, comprising about 100 species that grow in arid regions of North America. Cacti of this genus are known for their lush flowering, variety of forms, and resistance to unfavorable conditions.

Plants vary from spherical to cylindrical, solitary and clumping. Ribs are distinct, with large areoles. Spines can be long, thin, rigid, or finely combed, as in species with pectinate arrangement. Flowers are large, bright, fragrant, blooming at the apex of the shoot. Fruits are fleshy and can be edible. Seeds are rounded, small, dark.

Reichenbach's lace cactus 'Armatus' has 15-20 ribs, 2-4 long straight central spines up to 3 cm (1.2 in) long, light brown below and dark brown at the tips. Radial spines are white and short, up to 23 of them arranged pectinately - like "spiders". Areoles are white, fluffy.

Seeds are sown on the surface of a moistened mineral substrate with pH 6.0-6.5. Sowings are covered with a lid or glass, and ventilation is provided. Germination temperature is 24-28 °C (75-82 °F).

Seedlings appear within 7-15 days. Often part of the seeds germinates quickly while part takes 4-12 weeks, and individual "slowpokes" can trail on for up to several months. This is a normal scenario for cacti in general. Pricking out is carried out after the first spines appear. Young plants tolerate transplanting well.

© Greeniverse. All rights reserved.

The plant is placed on a south or southwest window with bright sunlight. Direct rays are acceptable throughout most of the year. Good ventilation and low air humidity are required. In summer, a temperature of 22-30 °C (72-86 °F) is maintained. In winter - around 8-12 °C (46-54 °F). Watering is carried out after the substrate has completely dried out. In winter, watering stops completely to provide a dormant period.

A mineral substrate with added sand, perlite, and gravel is used. Pots must have drainage holes. Repotting is carried out in spring, once every 2-3 years. Drainage is mandatory. Fertilizers are applied once every 4 weeks from spring to autumn. Low-nitrogen cactus fertilizers are used. In the winter period, feeding is not required.

Shaping is not performed. Propagation is carried out by seeds. Offsets occur rarely. Flowering is possible in the 3rd-4th year after germination under bright lighting and cool wintering.