Synonyms:

Cereus aggregatus
Cereus coccineus
Cereus phoeniceus
Echinocereus aggregatus
Echinocereus coccineus subsp. aggregatus
Echinocereus phoeniceus
Echinocereus triglochidiatus subsp. coccineus

Habitat:

Echinocereus coccineus is native to Colorado, Mexico Northeast, New Mexico and Texas. In wild it can be found up to 2800 m of altitude. This species is very common and thrives in a very large range of habitats from desert grassland to mountain forests. This cactus is adapted to survive in different soils from rocky outcroppings poor in minerals to loamy, humus mineral rich soils and also in igneous and limestone substrates. Echinocerues coccineus can withstand harsh climates of the desert but also the misty conifer woodlands. The large survival ability guarantees the spread of this plant and makes it among the most resilient of its kind.

Description:

Echinocereus coccineus is a common and resilient cactus belonging to the Cactaceae botanical family. The stem is erect, cylindrical, dark green in color and arranged in ribs. The plant can reach up to 60 cm in height, but it is slow-growing and typically forms clumps, tending to spread more in width than in height. The ribs can range from 8 to 11, depending on the diameter of the stem, and are usually covered with spines. Cluster of spines emerge from white, fluffy areoles, serving as a protective adaptation against herbivores and intense sunlight. The 1-4 central spines are thicker, 7-8 cm long, yellowish in color, pointed and erect. The 5-20 radial spines are shorter, white to brownish in color and often dark-tipped. The flowering period occurs from late spring to early summer and the blossoms are borne at the top or sides of the stems. The showy flower is the master-piece of this cactus. These funnel-shaped blooms, can reach up to 8 cm in diameter and are a striking scarlet-red to orange-red color. This eye-catching flowering is useful for attracting pollinators, such as hummingbirds, which play a crucial role in the pollination of this species. After pollination the plant forms sweety, edible fruits covered of small spines. The green to reddish fruits, when ripe, release small black seeds from which new plants can be grown.

Cultivation:

This plant is easy to care for and offers a rewarding experience, making it great for beginners. The plant benefits from bright exposure, and is recommended at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, so when grown outdoors, it does best in a sunny, south- or west-facing location. The plant is frost resistant but the best growth is ensured in a temperature range from 10 °C to 25 °C, so it should be moved indoors in colder weather but is not essential. The soil should consist of a mix of pumice, clay, and loam to ensure proper drainage and prevent root rot, to which the plant is susceptible. To facilitate excess water drainage, it is recommended to use a perforated pot. Watering plays a crucial role in the well-being of this species. During the vegetative period, it is recommended to water the plant every 10 days, ensuring that the soil is completely dry before the next watering. In winter, watering should be suspended to allow the plant to enter dormancy. Regarding fertilization, a moderate application of specific succulent fertilizers during the growing season is sufficient. Fertilization should be discontinued in winter. You should repot the plant every 2 years in a pot 2 cm wider. Repotting should be done early in the growing season using fresh potting soil. The main pests that affect Echinocereus coccineus are mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Propagation:

Propagation can be done by cutting, by offsets or by seed. When using cuttings, make the cut during the spring and then let it to dry for a few days; after the cut surface has dried and a formed a callus, place the cutting in a mixture of sand, soil and pumice. To increase the success of propagation you can make two or more cuttings at the same time. For cuttings it is recommended to maintain temperatures around 20 °C. To propagate by offsets, you can twist the pups growing around the base of the plant. After the callous is formed, plant it in a well-draining soil. Propagating the plant by seed is very simple; it is enough to sow the seed in a sandy loam soil and keep it at a high level of humidity with a temperature of 14 C°. If you sow seeds collected from your own plants, clean the seeds thoroughly and soak them in water to remove any inhibitors.

Curiosity:

The name is composed by two Latin words: Echinos, that means porcupine, and Cereus, a common and beautiful specie of columnar cacti. Unlike many cacti that are pollinated by bees, Echinocereus coccineus relies on hummingbirds as its primary pollinators. In Native American cultures, cacti like Echinocereus coccineus symbolize resilience and endurance, reflecting their ability to survive in harsh desert conditions.

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