Echinopsis oxygona aka Pink Easter Lily Cactus

Taxonomy

Echinopsis oxygona, also known as the 'Easter Lily Cactus', is a species of flowering plant in the cactus family Cactaceae that is native to South Brazil, Uruguay and northern Argentina. This perennial cactus is robust, with many spines and a spherical shape, and features a large flower with sharply pointed lavender or white petals and a faint, sweet scent. This species is also relatively rare as a houseplant, as it needs very little water and long-lasting, direct light to thrive. It requires extremely well-draining soil and shouldn't need additional fertilizers if it is repotted each time it doubles in size. The Easter Lily Cactus flower blooms in the evening and wilts the next afternoon on hot days. While very popular, it is also extremely resistant to cultivation errors and can be easily reproduced by offshoots, though cold temperatures can kill it.

Common names

Pink Easter Lily Cactus, Easter Lily Cactus, Red Easter Lily Cactus

How to care for Pink Easter Lily Cactus

Difficulty

Pink Easter Lily Cactus is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

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

Soil

The Pink Easter Lily Cactus is delicate when it comes to soil that is too damp, therefore, it is crucial to select a potting soil that has efficient drainage and doesn't hold an excessive amount of moisture. An ideal soil should consist of a substantial amount of perlite or vermiculite for proper drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. Mixing a few handfuls of perlite with commercially available cactus soil should produce the desired result.

Lighting

Pink Easter Lily Cactus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Pink Easter Lily Cactus will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Pink Easter Lily Cactus to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

Pink Easter Lily Cactus thrives in dry environments, but if you provide extra humidity or mist your plant, the lingering water on its leaves could create an ideal environment for certain fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

The growth of Pink Easter Lily Cactus is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Pink Easter Lily Cactus’s native range is South America.


More info:
Wikipedia