Echinocereus pentalophus | Ladyfinger cactus
€7,95
🌱 Morphology
A highly branched cactus that forms low, sprawling clumps that can reach up to 1 m in diameter. The stems are cylindrical, firm, and fleshy, initially erect but with a tendency to become creeping or decumbent, approximately 10–60 cm long and 1–6 cm in diameter. It typically has 4–5 ribs, although 3 to 8 may appear, initially sharp and straight, which can become somewhat tuberculate with age. The areoles are very close together and produce 0–1 central spine, sometimes absent, and 3–8 straight radial spines, which are whitish, yellowish, grayish, or pinkish, often with darker tips.
🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
Its distribution range extends from southern Texas to eastern Mexico, including Nuevo León, Coahuila, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Querétaro, and Jalisco. It mainly inhabits dry scrublands and rocky environments, from relatively low areas up to approximately 2100 m in altitude. It grows on well-drained mineral soils, often with organic matter. It belongs to the Cactaceae family.
❄️ Temperature — USDA Zone 8a–11b
It tolerates minimum temperatures down to −12 ºC for brief periods when kept completely dry and properly acclimatized. Its cold resistance decreases considerably if the stems are hydrated or if there is persistent moisture during low temperatures.
☀️ Lighting
During active growth, it requires high lighting, with a target of approximately 18–25 mol/m²/day of DLI PAR. It tolerates very intense light, although in areas with higher summer sun exposure, it may appreciate filtered sun or protection during the hottest hours. Good lighting promotes flowering and maintains compact growth.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter dormancy. During winter, it must be kept cool and completely dry. Growth mainly occurs from spring to early autumn. During this period, it accepts abundant watering, allowing the substrate to dry out completely before the next watering. With high temperatures, it can be kept with regular watering provided that the drainage is excellent. During dormancy, it may show some shrinkage and purplish tones in the stems, regaining its turgidity and coloration when growth resumes.
🌸 Flowering
It produces flowers that are extraordinarily large in relation to the stem diameter, widely funnel-shaped, bright pink to magenta, occasionally white, with a white or yellow throat. They can reach approximately 10–15 cm in diameter. The flowers are borne laterally, away from the stem tips. In Madrid, they can be expected mainly between May and July.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, a fertilizer with high content of assimilable calcium and low nitrogen levels, such as Desert CHOICE® Cactaceae, is recommended, applied once a month when watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Flowering.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a high-tech square pot and with substrate activated by mycorrhizal fungi.
📏Xerophyte in 9 x 9 x 9.5 cm blue pot. size S Approximate plant height: 9 cm.
Xerophyte in 13 x 13 x 14 cm blue pot. size M Approximate plant height: 11 cm.
- Shipped today? Order within:
- Hassle-free returns
- Free Shipping on orders over €79.99
Expert advice with every purchase
Our team provides you with personalized advice on caring for your plants and growing media.
-
Secure and protected payment guaranteed.
