Skip to content
Cactuswiki open cactus and succulent encyclopedia.

Echinopsis haematantha subs. chorrillosensis (Rausch) J.G.Lamb.

Family: CACTACEAE · Variety or form of Echinopsis haematantha

Publication: Cact. d’Argentine ed. 2 57. 1997 1998

Description

Echinopsis haematantha subs. chorrillosensis|, described by Rausch as Lobivia chorrillosensis in 1974, is a morphological form of the very variable Echinopsis haematantha characterized by a swollen deep taproot, greyish-green stems, short pale radial spines and longer curved central spine. It is quite common higher up on the mountain and exhibits a range of flower colour from red through to yellow. The seedlings are similarly variable. Now usually Echinopsis haematantha subs. chorrillosensis| is thought to be merely a local form of Echinopsis haematantha and is fully synonymized with the latter. Due to its variability it has also received many names. Anyway (whatever the scientific name is) this easy to grow cactus is highly priced for its multicoloured blooms.

Habit: It is a small compact solitary or clustering cactus (particularly in cultivation).

Stem: Greyish-green with woolly areoles.

Spines: Short, whitish-cream to almost black. thin and spreading.

Flowers: Approx. 5.5 cm long, 4.5 cm in diameter varying from orange, red and yellow (rare).

Blooming season (Europe): Flowers are produced in spring and remain open for about three or four days.

Roots: Tap root.

Remarks: Echinopsis haematantha is a widespread and variable species that has received an undue number of names. The differences usually concern the colour of flowers sometime with a more pink-orange or dark red tint. The colouring, size and density of spines is also quite variable and is greatly influenced by the conditions of culture, at lower light levels the spines are less numerous, delicate and white, while with strong solar radiation the spines are stronger with a darker tint.

Origin and Habitat

Chorrillos, Salta, Argentina

Altitude range: 2450-3200m

Cultivation and Propagation

Echinopsis haematantha subs. chorrillosensis| is a summer grower species that offers no cultivation difficulties.

Soil: Use a very a particularly draining substratum, as it is very sensitive to rottenness when in presence of humidity and low temperatures and let the soil dry out between waterings.

Fertilization: Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer.

Repotting: Repot in the spring, when their roots become cramped. Generally, they should be repotted every other year in order to provide fresh soil. After repotting, do not water for a week or more. Needs a large pot to accommodate a large root system.

Water: In summer, during the vegetative period, it must be regularly watered, but allowing the substratum to completely dry up before irrigating again (but do not overwater); in winter, it’s to be kept dry. Preferable not to water on overcast days, humid days or cold winter days.

Exposure: It needs bright sun, but, as a former mountain dweller, does not care for extremely high temperatures in summer.

Hardiness: It is a quite frost resistant cactus, hardy to -5° C. However in cultivation it is better not to expose it to temperatures lower than -0° C, even if in an aerated and protected location, in order to avoid the formation of anti-aesthetic spots on the epidermis. In presence of high atmospheric humidity avoid any frost as it is particularly sensitive to root rot. As these are high-elevation plants, they don’t like to get overheated.

Propagation: Direct sow after last frost, grafting or by offsets (if available), provided left drying up well, in summer.

Bibliography

Major references and further lectures

  1. Nathaniel Lord Britton, Joseph Nelson Rose “Cactaceae: Descriptions and Illustrations of Plants of the Cactus Family” Courier Dover Publications, 1963

  2. James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey “The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass” Cambridge University Press, 11/Aug./2011

  3. David Hunt, Nigel Taylor “The New Cactus Lexicon” DH Books, 2006 ISBN 0953813444, 9780953813445.

  4. Edward F. Anderson “The Cactus Family” Timber Press, 2001

  5. Clive Innes, Charles Glass “Cacti” Portland House, 01/May/1991

  6. Graham charles “A Day out at Chorrillos” In: The Cactus Explorer Number 9, page 29, August 2013