Oder's Pincushion

eriosyce odieri

Also known as: ["Oder's Pincushion Cactus","Oder's Eriosyce"]

Family: Cactaceae Genus: Eriosyce Category: Succulents & Cacti

Overview

A small, globular cactus with woolly areoles and spiny stems, native to arid regions of Chile.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Genus: Eriosyce
Botanical Name: Eriosyce odieri

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Succulents & Cacti
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot near bright window or outdoor in a well-drained, sunny spot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining cactus or succulent mix with added perlite or coarse sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 1–2 years or when dead growth is present.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead, diseased, 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; provide shade during peak summer heat; place indoors near a south-facing window or in a greenhouse with filtered light.

Warning Signs: Wilting despite moist soil, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Rotate plant weekly for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to diffuse harsh sunlight; avoid direct midday sun in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, every 3–4 weeks in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure excellent drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.

Soil

fast-draining cactus mix with added perlite or pumice

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

Use gritty soil; ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid water retention.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C) during active growth; tolerates mild frost but thrives in arid warmth.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good ventilation in hot weather.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth, none in winter

Fertilize only during active growth; use a cactus-specific fertilizer; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or offsets (pups).

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Cut a healthy stem or remove an offset.
  2. Let it callus for a few days.
  3. Plant in dry soil.
  4. Water lightly after a week.

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

Environment

Warm (70–80°F or 21–27°C), humid (50–60%), and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.

Timeline

4–8 weeks for roots to develop; several months to establish a new plant.

Tools Needed

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

Quick Tips

Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use a small pot to limit soil volume; maintain warmth and humidity.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip stems cleanly at the base; avoid cutting into healthy tissue.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or damaged stems to maintain shape and health.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead growth; avoid over-pruning; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., 2–3 cm diameter increase).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh cactus mix; water lightly after a few days.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant outgrows its container; necessary to refresh soil and improve drainage.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; avoid overwatering after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the soil. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains freely from the pot.

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

Water sparingly during active growth (spring/summer), allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce or cease watering in winter dormancy.

Soil Improvement

Add coarse sand, perlite, or pumice to commercial potting soil to enhance drainage; avoid heavy organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or purpling of stems in cold stress; sunburn or bleaching in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause root rot if soil remains wet in cold conditions; can lead to tissue damage below 40°F (4°C).

Solution: Ensure well-draining soil; move to a warmer location; protect from frost; reduce watering in cool periods.

Hot Stress

Can cause sunburn, dehydration, or wilting if exposed to intense heat without adequate water or shade.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase air circulation; water carefully to avoid overheating roots; mist foliage sparingly if needed.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Eriosyce odieri are not commonly reported, as this species typically retains its succulent leaves for extended periods unless affected by severe stress or disease.

Wilting in Eriosyce odieri is often a sign of severe water stress, either from drought or overwatering, which can lead to root damage and potential plant death.

Leaf spots are not commonly reported on Eriosyce odieri, as its succulent nature and thick epidermis provide some resistance to fungal and bacterial infections.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Eriosyce odieri due to overwatering or poor drainage, leading to tissue decay and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume Eriosyce odieri. The plant's spiny or fibrous nature can also cause physical injury to the mouth or digestive tract.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting drooling loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from cats. Seek veterinary care if ingestion occurs.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Eriosyce odieri can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant's physical structure may also pose a choking hazard or cause mechanical irritation to the digestive system.

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

if eaten

Monitor pets closely. Contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Eriosyce odieri contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant's tissues may irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort without posing severe systemic toxicity.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea stomach pain diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
entire plant
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Eriosyce odieri?

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

Q: Does Eriosyce odieri need full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Q: Is Eriosyce odieri frost-tolerant?

A: It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from temperatures below 5°C (41°F).

Quick Reference
Family: Cactaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Get Expert Care Tips

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

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Pflanz's Gymnocalycium
View
Wreath Cactus
View
Unknown
View
Bolivian Torch Cactus
View