Echinocereus ENNEACANTHUS 'CARNOSUS'

Echinocereus ENNEACANTHUS 'CARNOSUS' - Fleshy nine-spined echinocereus, Echinocereus enneacanthus carnosus.

Echinocereus is a genus of cacti in the family Cactaceae, comprising about 100 species native to the arid regions of North America. Cacti of this genus are known for their lavish flowering, diversity of forms, and resilience to adverse conditions.

The plants vary from globose to cylindrical, solitary and clustering. The ribs are distinct, with large areoles. Spines can be long, slender, rigid, or finely pectinate, as in species with comb-like arrangements. The flowers are large, bright, fragrant, opening at the top of the shoot. The fruits are fleshy and can be edible. The seeds are rounded, small, dark.

Echinocereus enneacanthus 'Carnosus' is a subspecies with fleshy, dark green cylindrical stems reaching 30-40 cm (12-16 in) in length and up to 5 cm (2 in) in diameter. The stems grow in clusters, forming spreading bushes. The ribs are pronounced, the areoles are large, with white or yellowish spines. Central spines number 1-3, radial ones up to 9.

It flowers in mid-spring. The flowers are bright pink with a purple hue, with a contrasting white or yellow center, up to 8 cm (3.1 in) in diameter. They are located closer to the upper part of the shoots. The fruits are green, juicy, fleshy, edible. The seeds are rounded, shiny, up to 2 mm (0.08 in).

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

Sprouts appear in 7-15 days. Often, a portion of seeds sprouts quickly, while another portion emerges after 4-12 weeks, and individual "slowpokes" can take up to several months. This is a normal scenario for cacti in general. Picking 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 window with bright sunlight. Direct rays are permissible throughout 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 is stopped 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 applications are made once every 4 weeks from spring to autumn. Cactus fertilizers with low nitrogen content are applied. During the winter period, feeding is not required.

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