Echinocereus SANTARITENSIS

Echinocereus SANTARITENSIS - Santa Rita hedgehog cactus, Echinocereus santaritensis, Santa Rita cactus.

Echinocereus is a genus of cacti in the cactus family (Cactaceae), numbering about 100 species growing in the arid regions of North America. Cacti of this genus are known for their lush flowering, variety of forms, and endurance under adverse conditions.

The plants vary from globose to cylindrical, solitary and clustering. Ribs are distinct, with large areoles. Spines can be long, slender, 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, and dark.

Santa Rita hedgehog cactus is a columnar cactus reaching 15-20 cm (5.9-7.9 in) in height and about 4-5 cm (1.6-2.0 in) in diameter, usually with a solitary or sparingly branching stem. The surface is covered with whitish, slightly spreading spines. Ribs are moderately pronounced, and areoles are large and light.

It blooms in the spring-summer period. Flowers are rich pink, with a darker center, up to 6-7 cm (2.4-2.8 in) in diameter, with a long floral tube. Fruits are green, oval, fleshy, dehiscing when fully ripe. Seeds are rounded, slightly glossy.

Seeds are sown across 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 in 7-15 days. Often part of the seeds germinate quickly, while part take 4-12 weeks, and individual "slowpokes" can follow for up to several months. This is a normal scenario for cacti in general. Pricking out is carried out after the appearance of the first spines. Young plants tolerate transplanting well.

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

A mineral substrate with the addition of 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. Fertilizer is applied once every 4 weeks from spring to autumn. Cactus fertilizers with low nitrogen content are applied. In the winter period, feeding is not required.

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