Echinopsis ancistrophora aka Easter Lily Cactus

Taxonomy

Echinopsis ancistrophora, also known as domino cactus, night blooming hedgehog and Easter lily cactus, is a species of cactus in the family Cactaceae. It has a globular shape, few spines and large, white flowers that are attached to long, green tubes. Its natural habitat is in Bolivia and usually grows at altitudes of 600-1800 metres. It is a popular houseplant that is easy to grow and needs very little water to thrive, thriving best in long-lasting, direct light, less than 1 foot away from a window. Echinopsis ancistrophora has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Common names

Easter Lily Cactus

How to care for Easter Lily Cactus

Difficulty

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

Water

Easter Lily Cactus does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To ensure the health of your Easter Lily 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

Easter Lily 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 Easter Lily Cactus.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Easter Lily Cactus to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

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

Easter Lily 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 Easter Lily 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.

Region of origin

Easter Lily Cactus’s native range is South America.


More info:
Wikipedia