Publication: [as: Lobivia purpureominiata F.Ritter 1980]
Description
Echinopsis huascha var. purpureominiata, firstly described as Lobivia purpureominiata by Ritter, is a local form of the wide ranging and very variable Echinopsis huascha. The differences with other Echinopsis huascha are in reality very minimal and most botanist agree on the fact that both should all be included in the Echinopsis huascha, and the two plants are not readily distinguishable, if not for the geographical provenance.
Origin and Habitat
Sierra ambato (Las Juntas y La Puerta), Catamarca, Argentina
Type locality: 112km West of La Puerta to Andalgala
Altitude: About 1600 metres above sea level.
Cultivation and Propagation
Echinopsis huascha (and its forms and varieties) is very easy to grow and cold hardy as low as -7°C (or less).
Growth rate This species produces noticeable amounts of growth each year if kept well fed and watered throughout the warmest months, particularly if it has been acclimatised to accept full sun. Once this cactus is established it can easily produce 10 cm of growth every year. Plants grown in the ground form soon imposing specimens.
Sun Exposure: Outside full sun, inside needs bright light, and some direct sun. During winter month, put them in a cool luminous place and encourage them to enter winter dormancy by withholding water and fertiliser over the winter as they will etiolate, or become thin, due to lower levels of light.
Soils: It needs a fertile, well drained soil mix.
Waterings: Water the plants well and allow them to dry before watering again. This species seems to do better with a little more water than most cacti. In fact, its cultivation requirements are really more like ‘normal’ plants than most other cacti.
Fertilization: During the growing season fertilize them monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
Pest and diseases: They are susceptible to fungal diseases if overwatered, but are not nearly as sensitive as many other cacti, especially in warm weather. They tend characteristically towards black rotted spots unless watering is moderate and only in hot weather, if kept damp through cold periods, they will invariably suffer.
Propagation: Cutting or from seed. The seeds are quite easy to germinate and grow. Their main requirements consist of high humidity levels, free-draining soil mix, and enough water, light, and nutrition. The flower colour is not always true from seeds.