Scientific Name
Echinopsis candicans (Gillies ex Salm-Dyck) D.R.Hunt
Common Name(s)
Argentine Giant
Synonym(s)
Cereus gladiatus, Helianthocereus pseudocandicans, Echinopsis pseudocandicans, Trichocereus pseudocandicans, Trichocereus neolamprochlorus, Echinopsis courantii, Trichocereus candicans, Cereus candicans, Trichocereus courantii
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Echinopsis
Flower
Color: White
Bloom Time: Late spring
Origin
This species is native to northern and western Argentina (Monte Desert).
Description
Echinopsis candicans is a cactus with a shrubby growth habit. Individual stems are light green with 9 to 11 low ribs, up to 24 inches (60 cm) tall and 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The large white areoles are spaced at 1.2 inches (3 cm) and produce brownish-yellow spines. The central spines are up to 4 inches (10 cm) long, while the radial spines are 1.6 inches (4 cm) long.
The flowers are fragrant, white, up to 10 inches (25 cm) long, 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, and open at night.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
If you can grow cacti and succulents successfully, you can likely grow the Echinopsis species without too much trouble. Like many cacti, they prefer a drying period between waterings, even when slightly wilt. When you water, however, you should water deeply. The plant will noticeably plump up. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting moisture. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, ensure fertilizer during the growing season for the best results.
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot a cactus, ensure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Echinopsis.
Links
- Back to genus Echinopsis
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
