Synonyms:

The name Echinopsis eyriesii is actually a synonym of Echinopsis oxygona. Other synonyms are:

Cereus decaisneanus
Cereus eyriesii
Cereus geminatus
Cereus multiplex
Cereus multiplex var. monstrosus
Cereus oxygonus
Cereus schelhasii
Cereus turbinatus
Echinocactus boutillieri
Echinocactus decaisneanus
Echinocactus decaisnei
Echinocactus eyriesii
Echinocactus eyriesii var. glaucus
Echinocactus gemmatus
Echinocactus multiplex
Echinocactus multiplex
Echinocactus octogonus
Echinocactus oxygonus
Echinocactus sulcatus
Echinocactus turbinatus
Echinonyctanthus decaisneanus
Echinonyctanthus eyriesii
Echinonyctanthus multiplex
Echinonyctanthus nigrispinus
Echinonyctanthus oxygonus
Echinonyctanthus turbinatus
Echinopsis adolfofriedrichii
Echinopsis brasiliensis
Echinopsis decaisniana
Echinopsis derenbergii
Echinopsis derenbergii var. blossfeldii
Echinopsis eyriesii
Echinopsis eyriesii
Echinopsis eyriesii var. cristata
Echinopsis eyriesii var. duvallii
Echinopsis eyriesii var. glauca
Echinopsis eyriesii var. glaucescens
Echinopsis eyriesii var. grandiflora
Echinopsis eyriesii var. major
Echinopsis eyriesii var. phyligera
Echinopsis eyriesii var. pudantii
Echinopsis eyriesii var. rosea
Echinopsis eyriesii var. schelhasii
Echinopsis eyriesii var. tettavii
Echinopsis eyriesii var. triumphans
Echinopsis gemmata var. decaisneana
Echinopsis gemmata var. schelhasii
Echinopsis melanacantha
Echinopsis multiplex
Echinopsis multiplex
Echinopsis multiplex var. monstrosa
Echinopsis nigrispina
Echinopsis oxygona
Echinopsis oxygona f. brasiliensis
Echinopsis oxygona f. brevispina
Echinopsis oxygona f. grandiflora
Echinopsis oxygona f. multiplex
Echinopsis oxygona f. werdermannii
Echinopsis oxygona var. turbinata
Echinopsis paraguayensis
Echinopsis paraguayensis
Echinopsis pudantii
Echinopsis schelhasii
Echinopsis schwantesii
Echinopsis tettavii
Echinopsis tubiflora var. paraguayensis
Echinopsis turbinata
Echinopsis werdermannii
Echinopsis zuccarinii
Echinopsis zuccarinii var. rolandii
Rebutia multiplex

Habitat:

Echinopsis eyriesii originates from Southern Brazil, Uruguay, and the province of Entre Rios in Argentina. Its type locality is Buenos Aires. This cactus species thrives in grassy plains and low hills situated in lowland areas, reaching altitudes of up to 1000 meters above sea level. The climate in its habitat is characterized as tropical and continental. Winters are marked by complete dryness, while summers see the landscape inundated by torrential rain and saturated with water. Annual rainfall can reach up to 1500 mm, with an average annual temperature ranging from 25-30°C. It is a rarity for temperatures to drop below freezing, even when exposed to the cold south pamperos winds. Echinopsis eyriesii coexists with various grasses and shrubs, alongside other cacti from genera such as Notocactus, Gymnocalycium, Frailea, Cleistocactus, and Cereus.

Description:

Echinopsis eyriesii is a well-loved cactus known for its large, showy flowers that bloom at night. It’s one of the most popular round-shaped cacti, often grown in clusters. As it grows, it can form large mounds, reaching up to 1.5 meters tall and 2-3 meters wide. The roots are fibrous, and the stem starts out round, but as it matures, it elongates and becomes almost cylindrical. It typically stands 15-30 centimeters high and is 12 to 15 centimeters thick. The stem is dark green and has distinct, raised ridges. The cactus has between 9 to 18 ribs that are quite prominent and not bumpy. Circular areas called areoles, spaced about a centimeter apart, are filled with either white or tawny-colored wool. It may have several short spines, usually around 14 to 18 in number. The radial spines, which are thinner and about 5-10 millimeters long, are often absent in mature plants. Central spines number between 4-8, and they’re thick, cone-shaped, and less than 5 millimeters tall. In young plants or offshoots, the spines are longer and less sturdy, eventually developing into the stout, short, cone-shaped spines. The flowers are strikingly large and pure white, blooming at night from the side of the plant, slightly above the middle. They’re 17 to 25 centimeters long and 5-10 centimeters in diameter. The flower tube resembles a funnel, with a sturdy lower part supporting the ovary. It then narrows and twists, eventually extending into the crown. This part is dark green and covered in small, oval-shaped, brownish scales along with dark grey to black hair. The outer segments of the perianth are rather linear and greenish, while the inner segments are broad and white, ending in a point. The throat is greenish, with several stamens surrounding the inner part. Both the stamens and style are shorter than the perianth segments. The flowers are highly fragrant. These flowers typically bloom from spring to summer in several waves at night. In sunny weather, they wither the next day, but in cold, rainy weather, they can last two, and occasionally even three days. The fruit can grow up to 5 centimeters long, and it’s green, covered in hairs, and contains a large number of black seeds. It’s worth noting that Echinopsis eyriesii is closely related to and shares characteristics with Echinopsis oxygona, Echinopsis multiflora, and Echinopsis multiplex (as well as their hybrids). These species all have elongated stems with sharp ribs and long, funnel-shaped flowers. However, they differ in the length of their spines and the color of their flowers, which are usually pink and unscented. Sometimes, people mistake Echinopsis eyriesii for Echinopsis subdenudata, which has round (not elongated) stems with very large, woolly areoles.

Cultivation:

Caring for Echinopsis eyriesii (including its various forms and varieties) is quite straightforward, and it can withstand cold temperatures down to about -7°C or even lower. In terms of growth, this species shows noticeable development each year when provided with ample nutrients and water, especially if it has become accustomed to full sun exposure. When planted directly in the ground, it can become an impressive specimen relatively quickly. For optimal growth, it requires abundant sunlight if grown outdoors, and if kept indoors, it should receive bright light and some direct sun. In the winter months, it’s best to place them in a cool, well-lit area and encourage them to go into winter dormancy by refraining from watering and fertilizing, as they may become stretched and thin due to reduced light levels. When it comes to soil, it prefers a fertile, well-drained mixture. Watering should be done thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out before watering again. Interestingly, this species tends to thrive with a bit more water compared to most other cacti. Its care requirements are more akin to those of typical plants rather than the usual expectations for cacti. During the growing season, it’s beneficial to fertilize them once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

While Echinopsis eyriesii is relatively hardy, it can be vulnerable to fungal diseases if overwatered. However, it is less sensitive in this regard compared to many other cacti, particularly in warmer conditions. If it’s kept excessively damp during colder periods, it may develop characteristic blackened spots, potentially leading to problems.

Propagation:

Echinopsis eyriesii can be propagated either through cuttings or from seeds. Growing from seeds is a relatively straightforward process. It involves maintaining high humidity levels, providing well-draining soil, and ensuring sufficient water, light, and nutrients. It’s worth noting that when grown from seeds, the flower color may not always be consistent or true to the parent plant.

Curiosity:

During the 19th century, Echinopsis eyriesii was widely crossbred with other Echinopsis and Lobivia species. This led to the development of several cultivars known for their large and vibrant flowers.

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