Echinocereus DASYACANTHUS 'CTENOIDES'

Echinocereus DASYACANTHUS 'CTENOIDES' - Comb-like dense-spined echinocereus, Echinocereus dasyacanthus ctenoides.

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.

The comb-like dense-spined echinocereus is a subspecies with cylindrical, weakly branching shoots up to 25 cm (10 in) in height and 6-8 cm (2.4-3.1 in) in diameter. The plant is distinguished by particularly dense and long spines that completely conceal the stem surface. The spines are white, yellow, or with a reddish tint, often curved. The ribs are straight, the areoles are large.

It flowers in late spring to early summer. The flowers are large, up to 7 cm (2.8 in) in diameter, lemon-yellow or with shades of green and orange, tubular. They are located at the apex of the stem. The fruits are oblong, green, with spine remnants. The seeds are rounded, shiny.

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.