Echinopsis chamaecereus aka Peanut Cactus

Taxonomy

Echinopsis chamaecereus, also known as Chamaecereus silvestrii or Lobivia silvestrii, is a species of cactus native to Argentina. It is commonly referred to as the "peanut cactus" due to its resemblance to peanuts in its early growth stage. This mat-forming cactus features slender, sprawling, ribbed stems that can reach about 1 cm in diameter. During late spring, it produces vibrant orange flowers that can measure up to 4 cm wide. Despite its delicate appearance, E. chamaecereus is hardy to temperatures as low as -7 °C if kept dry. This cactus was first discovered and described in 1896 by Carlo Luigi Spegazzini, but subsequent expeditions have been unable to locate the species. It is uncertain whether E. chamaecereus still exists in the wild. Nevertheless, it has gained recognition for its beauty and is a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Common names

Peanut Cactus

How to care for Peanut Cactus

Difficulty

Caring for Peanut Cactus is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

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

Soil

To keep your Peanut Cactus 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

Peanut Cactus 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 Peanut Cactus is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Peanut Cactus 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

Peanut 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 Peanut Cactus 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

Peanut Cactus’s native range is South America.


More info:
Wikipedia