Synonyms:

• Cereus fendleri
• Cereus roemeri
• Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri
• Echinocereus roemeri

Habitat:

-Its native habitat is limited to north of the Trans-Pecos in the Sacramento and Guadalupe mountains of New Mexico.

Description:

-Echinocereus kuenzleri is a very loved ornamental cactus due to its beautiful, large flowers (up to 11 cm in diameter), the biggest of its genus. It is a low growing cactus, it can grow solitary or in small clumps. Its dark green stem is soft, ribbed (9-12 ribs) and presents circular areoles. It has few radial spines while the central one is absent. It produces its beautiful flower in spring.

Cultivation:

-This plant is easy to grow. It needs full sun and a well-drained soil to prevent rot. Keep cool and dry in winter; it tolerates frost (to -18°C). E. kuenzleri will only bloom if given an adequate winter rest period.

Propagation:

-Propagate by seeds or cuttings.

Curiosity:

-It is commonly called Kuenzler’s hedgehog cactus.