Echinofossulocactus crispatus var. erectocentrus | Crown of thorns cactus
€15,90
🌱 Morphology
Generally solitary cactus, with a globose stem, bright green and slightly depressed at the apex, about 8–15 cm in diameter and up to 7–12 cm tall. It features numerous thin, narrow, and deeply wavy ribs, usually fewer than 43, much less numerous than in typical forms of Echinofossulocactus multicostatus. The areoles are small and woolly when young. It develops 6–9 short, whitish radial spines, while the central ones are much longer, flat, and erect, generally 1–4, and can reach up to about 13 cm. These long, vertical spines that arch over the apex are its most distinctive characteristic.
🌍 Distribution, habitat, and family
Native to Mexico, especially the state of Nuevo León, where populations are known in areas such as La Soledad, Doctor Arroyo, and Sandia, at altitudes between approximately 1,600 and 1,850 m. It grows in arid and semi-arid environments on rocky, well-drained terrain. It belongs to the Cactaceae family. There are collection numbers for Echinofossulocactus erectocentrus from Nuevo León that allow for the identification of specific populations.
❄️ Temperature — USDA Zone 8b–11b
During the winter rest period, it shows appreciable cold resistance if kept completely dry. It tolerates minimum temperatures down to −7 ºC occasionally, although resistance may vary depending on the clone. Low temperatures combined with humidity increase the risk of damage and rot.
☀️ Lighting
During active growth, it requires very intense light, with an approximate target of 18–25 mol/m²/day DLI PAR. High radiation availability favors compact stem development and, especially, the formation of its characteristic long, erect central spines. Some clones may need some protection from extreme sun during the hottest hours of the summer.
💧 Growth cycle and watering
Winter rest. During the active period, abundant watering is recommended, allowing the substrate to dry out completely before watering again. In winter, it should be kept dry or practically dry. It is sensitive to excess moisture, especially during dormancy.
🌸 Flowering
It produces small flowers, about 3 cm, which appear near the apex. They are white or pale pink, with a characteristic violet or purple central nerve, and may also show reddish tones. Flowering is concentrated around spring; in Madrid, it can mainly be expected between April and June.
🌿 Nutrition
During the active growth period, a fertilizer with high assimilable calcium content 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, with the substrate activated with mycorrhizal fungi and biofungicides.
📏 Gourmet xerophyte in a 9x9 cm pot.
* 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 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 it is a living being! Each of the plants at Desert CITY has unique characteristics.
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