Candy Cactus, Comb Cactus

echinocereus pectinatus

Also known as: ["Comb Hedgehog Cactus","Pink Flamingo Cactus"]

Family: Cactaceae Genus: Echinocereus Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A small, cylindrical cactus with dense, comb-like spines and showy magenta flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","low maintenance","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Echinocereus
Botanical Name: Echinocereus pectinatus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot with bright, direct light or outdoor rock garden
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or overgrown parts.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or full sun (4–6 hours daily); adjust to avoid scorching in intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct midday sun in summer; place indoors near a south-facing window if outdoors is too harsh.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil, soft or discolored stems, or mold growth indicate poor drainage or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, every 3–4 weeks in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries fully between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent rot.

Soil

fast-draining cactus mix with coarse sand or perlite

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

Use pots with drainage holes; avoid peat-heavy soils; ensure soil dries quickly.

Temperature

Ideal range 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates mild frost but prefers warm, dry conditions.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air flow in hot weather.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with diluted cactus fertilizer

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize only during active growth; stop before winter dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or offsets; easiest method for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Cut a healthy stem/offset.
  2. Let callus for 1–2 days.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Water sparingly until rooted.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–80°F), bright indirect light, high humidity (60–70%).

Medium

Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite (1:1 ratio).

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 1–3 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp knife, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix.

Quick Tips

Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use sterile tools to prevent rot; keep soil lightly moist.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut stems cleanly with a sharp tool; avoid excessive removal to maintain structure.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged stems to maintain shape and health.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or a sharp knife.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; cut at a 45-degree angle; remove only necessary parts.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant carefully; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; ensures fresh soil and space for growth.

Checklist

Use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to direct water precisely to the soil, avoiding the spines.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply during active growth (spring/summer) every 7–14 days, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce frequency to monthly or less in fall/winter.

Soil Improvement

Add coarse sand or perlite to commercial cactus mix; ensure soil breaks apart easily when dry.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or purpling in cold; wilting or sunburn in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause root rot if soil remains wet; can lead to tissue damage below 20°F (-6°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location; ensure soil is dry; provide frost protection if temperatures drop below freezing.

Hot Stress

Causes dehydration; may lead to sunburn or etiolation if not enough light; slows growth in extreme heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water carefully to avoid overheating roots.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use cactus-specific fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during growing season only.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, diluted cactus fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during spring/summer; avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves are not commonly reported in Echinocereus pectinatus, as this cactus typically has spines rather than broad leaves; discoloration may indicate stress or disease.

Wilting in Echinocereus pectinatus is often a sign of overwatering or root rot, as the plant is adapted to arid conditions and does not typically wilt due to water deficiency.

Leaf spots are not commonly reported in Echinocereus pectinatus, as it lacks broad leaves; however, similar symptoms may appear as discolored or necrotic areas on the stem.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Echinocereus pectinatus if the plant is overwatered or exposed to poorly drained soil, leading to tissue decay and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Echinocereus pectinatus is not known to contain toxic compounds harmful to cats. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to mechanical irritation from spines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea oral irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets to prevent ingestion of spines, which may cause discomfort; otherwise, the plant poses no significant toxicity risk.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Echinocereus pectinatus is not known to contain toxic compounds harmful to dogs. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to mechanical irritation from spines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea oral irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets to prevent ingestion of spines, which may cause discomfort; otherwise, the plant poses no significant toxicity risk.
Humans
Non-toxic

The spines of Echinocereus pectinatus can cause mechanical irritation upon contact, but there are no known toxic compounds that pose a significant health risk to humans.

⚠️ Symptoms:
skin irritation minor puncture wounds
🌿 Toxic Parts:
spines
⚡ Toxic If:

if touched

Handle with care to avoid physical injury from spines; no special precautions are needed for ingestion as the plant is non-toxic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Echinocereus pectinatus?

A: Water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry, typically every 2–3 weeks in growing season.

Q: Does this cactus need full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Q: Can Echinocereus pectinatus be grown indoors?

A: Yes, but ensure it receives ample sunlight, preferably near a south-facing window.

Quick Reference
Family: Cactaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during growi
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers"]
Get Expert Care Tips

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Woolly Prickly Pear
View
Pincushion Cactus
View
Phyllocactus, Orchid Cactus
View
Golden Brain Cactus
View