Publication: Kakteen Sukk. 22: 45. 1971
Description
Solitary spherical to columnar cactus, 10-25 cm in diameter and 7-30 cm tall or more, depending on the variety.
Stem: Large and globular, with many ribs divided into low rounded tubercles.
Flowers: Up to 20 cm long, 10 cm wide. The variety “kermesina” differs from the white-flowerd Echinopsis mamillosa for the pink to carmine coloured flowers.The flowers of this species are characterized by relatively short curved floral tube scales and unusual seeds.
Blooming season: This species will produce flowers in the summer when only 8 cm in diameter. The blossoms open at night and last about 24 hours.
Remarks: Echinopsis mammillosa (and particularly the carmine flowered variety kermesina) is often used in hybridization, and is an important component of some modern Echinopsis hybrids, lending its large showy flower structure to these hybrids.
Origin and Habitat
Tarija, Bolivia.
Cultivation and Propagation
The Easter Lily Cactus is a summer grower species that offers no cultivation difficulties. Water regularly in summer (but do not overwater ). It needs good drainage and very porous soil. Keep rather dry in winter. Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer. It is quite frost resistant if kept dry (hardy to -10° C). It needs a bright exposure, full sun or half shade in summer.
Propagation: Direct sow after last frost, or offsets if any.
Gallery
