Many species of the genus Echinopsis produce flowers with white petals, but our protagonist is different: its color is also pink so although at first, it may seem a common cactus when it blooms we realize that it has a very interesting ornamental value. Learn all about Echinopsis eyriesii also known as Eyries Cactus in this article.
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Origin and Characteristics of Echinopsis eyriesii
Echinopsis eyriesii is a species of cactus known as Eyries Cactus, Easter Lily Cactus, or Sea Urchin. It is endemic to Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, but is now found worldwide.
This Eyries Cactus has cylindrical stems with a diameter of 4”- 6” (10-15 cm) and a height of 6”- 12” (15 to 30 cm). Each has 11-18 ribs with whitish-colored areoles, and from the latter emerge a total of 12-15 spines up to 0.30” (7 millimeters) long that are black.
Echinopsis eyriesii flower is quite large. Flowers measure 8”- 10” (20 to 25 cm) long by 2” – 4” (5 to 10 cm) in diameter. Its petals, as we said at the beginning, are white or lilac.
Echinopsis eyriesii Care
Echinopsis eyriesii care is very easy and does not require special care. Once established, Echinopsis eyriesii will grow at a good pace, producing many flowers every year. But sometimes it is possible for problems to arise, if, for example, it receives more water than it needs, or if it is kept in the same pot forever, for example.
Follow all these steps for the proper Echinopsis eyriesii care.
Location Eyries Cactus
Most cacti are sun-loving plants, and our protagonist is one of them. Therefore, Echinopsis cactus has to be taken to a sunny area. Choose a sunny location for the Eyries Cactus. Even if we make seedlings with their seeds, these have to be from the first day in a place exposed to the sun.
But it is important that if we have bought it in a nursery and they had it indoors or in semi-shade, as soon as we get home we do not have to put it in the sun. Doing so will only cause it to burn in a matter of hours. To avoid it, it is necessary to acclimatize it before, little by little.
Soil Eyries Cactus
Pot: It is advisable to make our soil for cacti, mix peat and perlite in equal parts for example, or change the perlite for akadama or pomice. It is also possible to plant it only in pomice, since although this one does not have nutrients, it will not harm it if we fertilize it regularly.
Garden: The soil for Echinopsis eyriesii must be loose and light. Also, it should not be easily waterlogged.
- Formulated to loosen clay and reduce caking
- Improves drainage and aeration
- Available in an 18qt size
Watering Eyries Cactus
The Echinopsis eyriesii is a cactus that requires little water. In summer, it should be watered about twice a week, as the soil takes a short time to dry out, but in winter it should be watered once a week, or every 10 days. This frequency will be even lower if in our area there are frosts and/or it rains regularly.
Also, if it is grown in a pot, do not put a saucer under it, as the water will remain stagnant there, very close to the roots. These can rot if they are always in contact with the liquid.
Fertilizing Eyries Cactus
Echinopsis eyriesii fertilization is always important, but it is also very important that it has the right soil, such as the pomice or the akadama. For this reason, we will fertilize Eyries cactus in spring and also in summer, using fertilizers for cactus.
It is necessary to follow the indications of use because it is the only way that the product is useful for the plant. If we apply more than the quantity indicated, for example, its roots will burn; and if we apply less, the effectiveness will hardly be noticed.
- LIGHT APPLICATIONS - A balanced mix of essential nutrients with low NPK rates to gently feed your live cacti and succulents. It help enhance root development, color vibrancy, beautiful bloom, and stem growth in both plant types.
- LASTS LONGER, FOR LESS - Easy, ready to use granular formula feeds your plants consistently for 9 months! Simply poke holes or sprinkle around your pot mix, water, and watch your succulent/cactus thrive! Perfect for pots with pumice, pebbles, gravel, perlite, and other organic potting soil mixes.
- LIQUID ALTERNATIVE - Excellent alternative to liquid fertilizer in a spray bottle. Great for houseplants that need consistent nutrition year round but less watering.
Propagate Echinopsis eyriesii
Let’s review Echinopsis eyriesii propagation by seeds and offshoots, both in spring and summer:
Seeds: It is highly recommended to sow them in a seedling tray, with a cactus substrate, or with a mixture of peat and perlite in equal parts. They have to be a little covered by the substrate so that they are not very exposed to the sun. If they are viable, they will germinate in about 20 days at the most.
- Durable Seed Starter Kit with 96 Cells: 0.8mm thickened Grenebo seed starter trays have drain holes and 24 cells for each propagator, which help a lot for seeds starting. Larger size for each cell: 4.9 x 5.4 x 5.5cm (1.9 x 2.1 x 2.2inch). Suitable for starting off many desirable garden plants, including flowers, vegetables, herbs, fruits, etc.
- Humidity Adjustable Dome: The seed starter kit has a stable little disc at the top to regulate airflow entering the dome (the disc will not shifts when the tray is moved). So the humidity inside the propagator can be controlled to optimize growing conditions for plant healthy and fast growth.
- Sturdy Base Greenhouse for Peat Pellets: There are enough seed starter trays with lids to start several different seeds in different configurations. Grenebo seed trays for seedlings equip 2 garden tools to scoop potting mix, dibble for seeds, etc. You'll get 4 plant labels as well
Offshoots: They are separated from the mother plant when they measure approximately two centimeters in height with the help of a knife without an edge (like the knife to cut vegetables). Then, it is taken to a dry and protected place, where it will have a week for the wound to heal. When this time has passed, it is planted in a pot with the substrate we have chosen and watered.
Propagating cacti by seed is an easy process, but it takes time to see the first sprouts. We recommend our article about How to Propagate Cactus by Seeds.
Repotting Echinopsis eyriesii
Echinopsis eyriesii should be repotted every 2-3 years, during the spring. The Eyries cactus is relatively small, so the repot will not always be done because it has run out of space in the pot, but because of the substrate. This is the one that wears out, and depending on which one we use, like the akadama for example, it wears out and turns into dust.
So, what we have to do is the following:
First, we take the plant out of the pot.
Then carefully remove the soil.
Next, we fill a pot with new soil.
Then, we place the cactus in the center, making sure that it is at the right height (not too high or too low).
Finally, we finish filling and leave the plant in semi-shade for a few days so that it recovers.
In the case that you want to plant it in the ground, it will also be done in that season.
Pests
It may have mealybugs or red spider mites, easy to eliminate with soap and water, or with diatomaceous earth. It should also be protected from snails, as they can devour it. Learn more about How to Use Diatomaceous Earth.
Hardiness Eyries Cactus
The Eyries cactus resists the cold and also frosts up to 23 °F (-5ºC).
