€10,60

🌱 Morphology
Small cactus, solitary or forming small groups of a few stems, globose to short and conically cylindrical in shape. The stems reach approximately 10–18 cm in height and 5–10 cm in diameter, with dark green epidermis that can take on brown or reddish tones. It has 8–10 ribs, highly tuberculate and prominent. The areoles produce a characteristic spination: generally 4–6 radial spines, thick, rigid and somewhat flattened, white to grayish in color, often with a darker longitudinal line; occasionally a single central spine appears, directed upwards, up to 2.5–3 cm. The spination can take on brown, black or purple tones and is one of the characteristics that allows it to be distinguished from other forms of Echinocereus fendleri.

🌍 Distribution, habitat and family
Its natural range is very limited and is found in the Sacramento and Guadalupe Mountains in southern New Mexico, mainly in Otero, Lincoln and Chaves counties. It grows at approximately 1,830 to 2,130 m above sea level, on rocky ground and prairie slopes, as well as in open pine, juniper and other woody species forests, frequently on sandy clay soils with abundant limestone fragments. It belongs to the Cactaceae family.

❄️ Temperature — USDA Zone 7b–11b
Tolerates minimum temperatures of up to −18 ºC in dry and properly acclimated specimens. It is a highly cold-resistant species, although tolerance may vary between clones. During the lowest temperatures, it must be kept completely dry and with excellent drainage.

☀️ Lighting
During active growth, it requires very high light, with a target of approximately 18–25 mol/m²/day of PAR DLI. It tolerates several hours of direct sun. High light intensity promotes compact growth, the formation of characteristic spination and abundant flowering.

💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. During winter, it should be kept cool, bright and completely dry. Growth begins in spring and develops mainly until early summer. During this period, heavy watering is recommended, allowing the substrate to dry out completely before the next watering. It is especially important to avoid excess moisture during dormancy, as its roots can easily rot.

🌸 Flowering
It produces extraordinarily large flowers in relation to the size of the body, measuring 6–12 cm in diameter, intense magenta in color, usually with green bands and darker areas towards the center. The tepals are pointed and flowering occurs mainly between May and June in its natural habitat. In Madrid, it can be expected approximately between May and June. The fruits are red, fleshy and approximately 3–5 cm long. They are edible. This is also why it has the common name Strawberry Cactus.

🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, a fertilizer with a high content of assimilable calcium and low levels of nitrogen is recommended, such as Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae, applied once a month when watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering.

This is an inimitable xerophyte cultivated in Madrid in a technological square pot and with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.

Gourmet black 9x9 cm pot

* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the sent specimen may vary slightly from the product image. The measurements of the plant are specified in the photo description, but this may also vary slightly, because it is a living being! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.

• Hassle-free returns

• Free Shipping on orders over €79.99

• Secure and protected payment guaranteed.