Synonyms:

• Cereus pulchellus
• Echinocactus pulchellus
• Echinonyctanthus pulchellus
• Echinocereus aguirrei
• Echinocereus pulchellus
• Echinopsis pulchella

Habitat:

-It is native of North-east Mexico (San Luis Potosí).

Description:

-Echinocereus pulchellus subs. venustus is a cactus with low grey-green stems, that are also small and sphaerical. Its short, few radial spines are pressed against the stem. Two years old plants it produces buds that will bloom in spring: flowers are usually pink with a dark stripe in the centre.

Cultivation:

-It is an easy but slow plant to grow. Use very porous standard cactus mix soil. Its tap root needs a deep pot to grow in, with good drainage. Avoid overwaterings, this plant is very rot sensitive! Keep dry in winter. Minimum temperature is 5°C (but can tolerate brief periods above -5°C). It needs full sun exposure to light shade: direct sun for too long expose the plant to sunburn, but bright light encourages flowering.

Propagation:

-Propagate by seeds or cuttings.

Curiosity:

-During flowering, the air will be filled with its delicate flower scent.