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Cactus SucculentConservatory Greenhouse

Echinopsis chamaecereus
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

peanut cactus

A mat-forming cactus with slender, sprawling, ribbed stems and funnel-shaped vermilion-red flowers 5-7cm in length in summer

Synonyms
Chamaecereus silvestrii
Chamaecereus silvestrii crassicaule
see moreCereus silvestrii
Lobivia silvestrii
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Orange Red
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Trailing
Genus

Echinopsis can have spherical or cylindrical, heavily ribbed and spiny stems, with funnel-shaped flowers in spring or summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Argentina

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added extra grit. Water moderately when in growth, sparingly when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times in the growing season

Propagation

Propagate by seed or offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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