Yellow Claret Cup Cactus
echinocereus dasyacanthus
Also known as: ["Yellow Hedgehog Cactus","Golden Claret Cup"]
Overview
A low-growing, cylindrical cactus with dense, golden-yellow spines and showy, cup-shaped flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Echinocereus |
| Botanical Name: | Echinocereus dasyacanthus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or outdoor rock garden in arid regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- 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 coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or when dead stems are present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, direct sunlight 6–8 hours/day; adjust to partial shade in intense summer heat to prevent sunburn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; provide shade during peak summer hours; for indoor plants, place near south-facing windows.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant weekly for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter harsh midday sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries fully between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent rot.
Soil
fast-draining cactus mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries quickly after watering; avoid peat-heavy mixes; use unglazed terracotta pots for better drainage.
Temperature
Ideal range 70–85°F (21–29°C) during growth; tolerate 50–60°F (10–15°C) in winter dormancy.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season with balanced cactus fertilizer
Fertilize only during active growth; never fertilize dry soil; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Cut a healthy stem.
- Let it callus for 1–2 days.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Keep lightly moist.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with bright indirect light; maintain 70–80°F (21–27°C).
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Roots may form in 2–4 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Clean knife or shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil mix.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use sterile tools to prevent infection; maintain consistent humidity.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems cleanly at the base with sterilized tools; avoid excessive handling to prevent injury to the plant.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged stems to maintain health and aesthetics.
Tools
Sterilized pruning shears or a sharp knife.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune only dead or damaged stems; allow cuts to callus if necessary.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter.
Method
Remove plant carefully; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; avoid overwatering post-repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Use fresh cactus soil; ensure good drainage; water sparingly after repotting; allow roots to adjust.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at root zone; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency by season.
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.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply during active growth (spring/summer) every 7–14 days, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce or cease watering in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial cactus soil to enhance drainage and aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or purpling in cold; wilting or sunburn spots in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause root rot if soil remains wet in cold conditions.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil; protect from frost; move indoors if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Hot Stress
Can lead to dehydration, sunburn, or etiolation if not provided adequate water and shade.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce heat absorption.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted cactus fertilizer; fertilize during growing season only; water before and after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring/summer; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicThe spines of Echinocereus dasyacanthus can cause mechanical irritation or injury to cats, but there are no known toxic compounds that pose a significant health risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Dogs
Non-toxicThe spines of Echinocereus dasyacanthus can cause mechanical irritation or injury to dogs, but there are no known toxic compounds that pose a significant health risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Humans
Non-toxicThe spines of Echinocereus dasyacanthus can cause mechanical irritation upon contact, but there are no known toxic compounds that pose a significant health risk to humans.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much sunlight does Echinocereus dasyacanthus need?
A: It thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Q: How often should I water this cactus?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, especially during winter dormancy.
Q: Can this cactus be grown indoors?
A: While possible, it requires bright light and excellent drainage; outdoor cultivation is generally preferred.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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