Growing Conditions
Light: Like many cacti and succulents, the Echnopsis appreciate strong light during the growing season. Move plants outdoors if possible, but acclimate to direct sunlight slowly to prevent scorching. In the winter, southern exposure is perfect. Water: Allow the soil mix to become nearly dry between waterings, but then water thoroughly. Immaculate drainage is essential, so never let the pots sit in water. Suspend watering in the winter, but mist occasionally. Soil: A rich, fast-draining cactus mix is ideal. Fertilizer: During the growing season, fertilize with a cactus fertilizer mix. Suspend feeding during the dormant winter period.
Propagation
Echinopsis can be easily rooted from offsets, which tend to cluster around the base of the mother plant. Cut offsets close to the stem, at the narrowest possible place. When rooting cacti from cuttings, let the fresh cutting dry out slightly on a paper towel and cut the cactus at the narrowest place possible. After a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the cut surface, the cut surface should have dried out and formed a callus, or slightly rough opening. Once the callus has formed, place the cutting in a rooting mixture of fast-draining cactus soil. Keep the cutting barely moist and warm. New roots will form in a matter of weeks, either around the vascular bundles or the areoles near the cut. Once new roots are visible, pot the plant like a typical cactus and move it into your collection.
Repotting
Repot as needed, preferably during the warm season. To repot cacti, make sure the soil is dry before repotting, then gently remove the pot. Knock away the old soil from the roots, making sure to remove any rotted or dead roots in the process. Treat any cuts with a fungicide. Place the plant in its new pot and backfill with potting soil, spreading the roots out as you repot. Leave the plant dry for a week or so, then begin to water lightly to reduce the risk of root rot. Be careful when handling Echinopsis as they have stiff spines.
Varieties
Including hybrids, there are hundreds of varieties of Echinopsis. Individual plants have been bred for flower color and form, and it’s even possible that plants from the same seed pod will have different colored flowers. Some of the more common species in cultivation include E. glaucina, E. spiniflora, E. marsoneri, E. pentlandii, E. tiegeliana, and others.
Grower’s Tips
If you can grow cacti and succulents successfully, you can likely grow the Echinopsis species without too much trouble. Like many cacti, they prefer a drying period between waterings, even to the point where they slightly wilt. When you water, however, you should water deeply. The plant will noticeably plump up. It’s imperative that the cactus is not exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, make sure to fertilize during the growing season for the best results.
