Echinocereus rigidissimus
rainbow cactus
A solitary, evergreen cactus with radial spines curved slightly toward the stem. New spines are reddish-pink, fading to yellow or light pink when mature. Bright pink flowers with a white throat appear in Spring, borne atop the plant from younger aeroles
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Pink White | Pink | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Pink White | |||
| Autumn | Green Pink White | |||
| Winter | Green Pink White |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Echinocereus can have deeply ribbed cylindrical or globose stems, sometimes forming clumps, and large funnel-shaped flowers
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based, sandy, potting compost with added grit, in full sun. Water moderately, do not allow roots to sit in water. Do not water at all when dormant. Apply a light balanced liquid fertiliser two or three times in the growing season. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed or cuttings from the mother plant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybug, scale insect and aphid
Diseases
May be susceptible to root rot if over-watered
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.