Echinocereus rigidissimus aka Arizona Rainbow Cactus

Taxonomy

Echinocereus rigidissimus, also known as the Arizona rainbow cactus or rainbow hedgehog cactus, is a solitary evergreen cactus that rarely branches or offsets as it ages. It can grow up to 30 cm in height and 11 cm in width when mature. The cactus has pectinate radial spines that curve slightly towards the stem, with new spines starting off reddish to magenta and eventually fading to a yellow or light pink color. During the spring season, Echinocereus rigidissimus produces bright pink flowers with a white throat. These flowers appear in flushes and are borne atop the plant from younger areoles. If successful pollination occurs, the cactus forms circular-shaped, greenish to dark purplish fruits with white flesh and dark brown to black seeds around three months after flowering. Since it rarely produces offsets, Echinocereus rigidissimus is primarily propagated through seeds.

Common names

Arizona Rainbow Cactus, Arizona Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus, Sonoran Rainbow Cactus, Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus, Rainbow Cactus

How to care for Arizona Rainbow Cactus

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Arizona Rainbow Cactus due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Arizona Rainbow Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Arizona Rainbow Cactus, it's crucial to use a potting soil that won't hold too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to store-bought cactus soil is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Arizona Rainbow Cactus thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Sonoran Rainbow Cactus.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

Arizona Rainbow Cactus prefers dry environments, so misting the plant to provide extra humidity and allow water to linger on the leaves can create an ideal environment for fungi that can be harmful.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Arizona Rainbow Cactus is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Arizona Rainbow Cactus grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Arizona Rainbow Cactus’s native range is Southeastern United States and Mexico.


More info:
Wikipedia