Plant Min Zone: 8a
Plant Max Zone: 10b
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Water / Rainfall: Very Low
Soil Quality: Poor, Average
Bloom Season: Summer, Late Summer
Flower Color: Mixed Colors
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Dark Green
Summer Foliage Color: Dark Green
Fall Foliage Color: Dark Green
Evergreen Foliage: Yes
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: High
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Medium
Wind Tolerance: High
Poor Soil Tolerance: Rocky Soils, Sandy Soils, Shallow Soils
Height: 1' - 2'
Width: 1' - 2'
Growth Rate: Slow
Service Life: N.A.
Maintenance Need: N.A.
Spreading Potential: N.A.
Yearly Trimming Tips: N.A.
Plant Grouping Size: N.A.
Best Side of House: N.A.
Extreme Planting Locations: N.A.
Ornamental Features: N.A.
Special Landscape Uses: N.A.
Possible Pest Problems: N.A.
Plant Limitations: N.A.
Sea Urchin Cactus (Echinopsis sp.) is a large genus of cacti native to South America, sometimes known as hedgehog cactus. Grown for its beautiful tubular flowers, it's usually a patio or house plant in Kansas. In the wild, some species are hardy to 15-20 degrees F for short periods of time. Grow in full sun with no extra watering except that which comes from rainfall. Repotting may or may not be needed depending on how large you want the plant to grow; plants can continue to grow taller and tolerate extremely root-bound pots but may need wind bracing. If repotting, make sure to use a sharp draining low organic cactus mix with plenty of sand and perlite. To play is safe, potted plants are best moved in before night temperatures get below 45 degrees F. It is important to avoid the combination of wet and cold. Before extreme cold occurs, move to a bright interior window over the winter with no watering and keep above freezing. As a winter house plant, it will look presentable all winter long with just no waterings. As a permanent house plant, provide bright light and allow the soil to dry between waterings for many years of carefree enjoyment. Plants grown permanently indoors may begin to elongate stretching for light and lose their spine color. It can be hard to reproduce the intense UV sunlight they need so moving outside for the summer is best. Generally if moving outside for the summer, allow 1-2 weeks of part shade or morning sun before placing in full sun. Plants with time to acclimate will thrive in full sun but be careful not to rush it or sunburning will occur. Potted plants are very low maintenance. I have never seen any insect problems on this plant.