Echinopsis oxygona aka Pink Easter Lily Cactus

Echinopsis oxygona is a perennial cactus known as Easter lily cactus. It comes from southern Brazil, northeast Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It grows in rocky sites within grasslands and forests. Plants also grow on walls in their home range. This cactus grows fast and forms clumps or low mats. Garden plants reach about 0.8–1 foot [0.25–0.3 metres] tall. RHS gives a higher limit of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Clumps can spread 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres] wide. RHS lists a much narrower spread of 0.3 feet [0.1 metres].

The smooth stems range from green to grey-green. Young stems are round, then grow into short cylinders. New stems form near the base of the plant. Each stem has 11–18 ribs with rows of areoles. These bear short, thick spines rather than broad leaves. The spines range from black to yellow-brown. Each areole has central spines and a ring of radial spines. Their sharp points pose a handling hazard.

Flowers appear from spring through summer on long, woolly stalks. The white or pink blooms have a funnel shape. They give off a sweet scent as evening falls. NC State reports blooms about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] across. RHS records larger blooms reaching 0.66 feet [0.2 metres] across. Flowers open late in the day and last through the night. Heat makes them fade by the next midday or afternoon. Cool weather lets them last longer. Mature plants may open twelve flowers at one time. Bees, moths, and butterflies visit the flowers. Green, fleshy fruits follow, with thread-like tufts and many seeds.

Grow this cactus in sun with some afternoon shade. Use a cactus mix that drains well. RHS suggests peat-free loam compost with added grit. Water moderately during growth, then reduce water during winter rest. Feed two or three times during the growing season. RHS rates it H2 and recommends growing under glass. NC State lists USDA zones 8b–11b. It reports tolerance of light frost when plants stay dry. Seeds and offsets provide ways to raise new plants.

Pots suit this cactus, both indoors and on patios. Warm-winter gardens can use it among rocks or in crevices. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone. It needs little upkeep and no pruning. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites. Excess water can cause root rot, and high humidity causes problems. NC State lists it as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.