Echinopsis arachnacantha aka Echinopsis Arachnacantha

Taxonomy

Echinopsis arachnacantha, also known as Lobivia arachnacantha, is a cactus species native to Bolivia. This unique plant has flattened, spherical dark green stems that can be found either singly or in clusters, reaching a thickness of up to 5cm. The stems feature weakly notched ribs and are adorned with clusters of recurved spines that resemble small spiders. In late spring or early summer, Echinopsis arachnacantha produces large, cup-shaped flowers that are predominantly yellow or orange, although white or red blooms may occasionally appear. This cactus is a super rare houseplant that thrives on minimal watering and prefers long-lasting, direct light, ideally positioned within a foot of a window. It is crucial to provide extremely well-draining soil for Echinopsis arachnacantha, and regular repotting, approximately doubling in size, eliminates the need for additional fertilizers. Recognized for its outstanding qualities, this plant has been honored with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Common names

Echinopsis Arachnacantha

How to care for Echinopsis Arachnacantha

Water

Echinopsis Arachnacantha does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Soil

To keep your Echinopsis Arachnacantha healthy, it's important to use a potting soil that won't retain too much moisture. A soil that drains well and contains perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition is ideal. Adding a few handfuls of perlite to regular cactus soil from the store is an easy way to create this type of soil mix.

Lighting

Echinopsis Arachnacantha requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Echinopsis Arachnacantha is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Echinopsis Arachnacantha to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Humidity

Echinopsis Arachnacantha 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 Echinopsis Arachnacantha is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

Echinopsis Arachnacantha’s native range is South America.


More info:
Wikipedia