Echinofossulocactus crispatus 'Long Horn' | Long-spined brain
€26,50
🌱 Morphology
It is a clone of the botanical species with flat and extraordinarily long central spines. It is a small, generally solitary, slow-growing cactus with a depressed globose to shortly cylindrical stem, approximately 8–10 cm in diameter. It has numerous fine ribs, very wavy and closely arranged, generally between 25 and 60. The areoles are quite far apart and develop very variable spination: several straight or slightly curved radial spines and VERY LONG AND more robust central spines, which can reach several centimeters and vary from white to yellow, reddish, or brown. This combination of wavy ribs and variable spination gives it the characteristic appearance of a "brain cactus."
🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
It is native to Mexico, with populations in the states of Hidalgo, Querétaro, Veracruz, Puebla, and Oaxaca. It lives at approximately 1,500 to 2,600 m of altitude, in xerophytic scrublands, grasslands, and open pine, juniper, and piñon forests, generally on rocky terrain. It belongs to the Cactaceae family.
❄️ Temperature — USDA Zone 9a–11b
It is relatively sensitive to frost. It tolerates minimum temperatures of down to −5 ºC for short periods if it remains completely dry and is well acclimated. In winter, it is advisable to protect it from high atmospheric humidity and keep it dry, especially during prolonged cold spells.
☀️ Lighting
During active growth, it requires intense lighting, with an approximate goal of 18–25 mol/m²/day of DLI PAR. It tolerates direct sun if it is progressively acclimated, although in the hottest months it may benefit from some protection during the hours of greatest intensity to avoid sunburn. High lighting promotes more abundant spination and proper flowering.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter rest. During the active period, it is recommended to water abundantly and let the substrate dry completely before watering again. In winter, watering should be reduced to a minimum or suspended when temperatures are low. It is especially sensitive to excess humidity and root rot during dormancy.
🌸 Flowering
It produces flowers approximately 3–4 cm long, white to pale pink or purple, frequently with a characteristic violet central line on the petals. They appear near the apex and in Madrid can be expected mainly during May and June.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, a fertilizer with high content of assimilable calcium and low nitrogen levels such as Desert CHOICE® Cactáceas is recommended, applied once a month when watering. Before flowering, it can be supplemented with Desert CHOICE® Floración.
This is an inimitable xerophyte grown in Madrid in a technical square pot and with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.
* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent 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, after all, it is a living being! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.
* As this is an online purchase, the appearance of the specimen sent 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, after all, it is a living being! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.
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