The hedgehog cactus plant name comes from the Greek ‘echinos’ meaning porcupine. The Latin word ‘cereus,’ means candle and is a reference to the shape of the plant’s floral tube. The hedgehog cacti are generally native to Mexico and South Western US. It is a large species of encompassing varieties with different growths as well as flowering.
What is the scientific name for Hedgehog cactus?
The scientific name is Echinocereus.
What colors can you get the Hedgehog cactus in?
Flower is seen in deep red, reddish-violet, pink or fuchsia hue
Classification
| Division | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Subfamily | Cactoideae |
| Genus | Echinocereus |
| Species | E. fendleri |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Tribe | Pachycereeae |
Flowering data
| Domain | It is a Eukaryote, |
| Bloom Time | April until June |
| Flower color | Flower is seen in deep red, reddish-violet, pink or fuchsia hue |
| Fruit | A reddish-orange fruit is produced. |
| Plant type | Cactus and Perennial |
| Ever green | Yes it is an evergreen plant. |
| Leaf | Green |
| Attracts | It definitely attracts hummingbirds. |
What light conditions are ideal for the Hedgehog cactus?
A Hedgehog cactus is a light-loving plant thus they need proper sunlight.
How much water does the the Hedgehog cactus need?
The water and feed requirements for each variety will differ accordingly. The hairy and spiny variety needs to be on the drier side, even in summer because they are very sensitive to overwatering. Overwatering can lead to crown and root rot – especially in the winter months.
What soil and fertilizer is good for the Hedgehog cactus?
Though this plant is capable of handling richer soils, it is best to use a typical cactus soil for the best results. When repotting, take extra care that you do not damage the plant’s roots. As these are shallow-rooted and damage easily. Use a liquid fertilizer such as geranium, or tomato fertilizer. The special fertilizer for cacti is almost identical but more expensive! Fertilize on every other watering during the growing season.
Plant care
| Water | Watered at least once a week. |
| Sun | Full sun, but tolerates light shade. |
| Maintenance | Low |
| pH | 5 to 7 |
| Drainage | Well drainage |
| Type | Sandy, rocky soil |
| Origin/native | It grows in deserts and woodlands in the Southwestern United States and Northeastern Mexico. |
Read more about cactuses in our other blogs
We have written blogs on multiple cactuses. If you want to read more about them, you can check out these first:
The Heart of Stavern
In the very heart of Stavern, a beautiful little town in Norway, lies our store Stavern Blomstermakeri. We focus on interior, creativity and happiness. We are all about that blossoming feeling from the heart. If you have a passion for flowers, need inspiration or are keen to learn more about what we do here in Stavern, feel free to follow us on Pinterest for inspo, Instagram for photos, Youtube for learning or Facebook for the newest updates.