Fuchsia Cactus
echinopsis eyriesii
Also known as: ["Fuchsia Cactus","Easter Lily Cactus"]
Overview
A striking cactus species native to South America, known for its large, fuchsia-like flowers that bloom in spring.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Genus: | Echinopsis |
| Botanical Name: | Echinopsis eyriesii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Succulents & Cacti
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright, sunny location or outdoor garden in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- 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 to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining cactus mix with added perlite or coarse sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically annually or when dead/damaged stems are present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing only dead or diseased parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or 4–6 hours of direct morning sun; reduce direct sun in peak summer to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from harsh afternoon sun; place in a spot with filtered light during summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during hottest part of day; avoid direct afternoon sun in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce to every 3–4 weeks in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; adjust frequency with seasons.
Soil
well-draining cactus mix with added perlite or sand
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; use a mix with inorganic components.
Temperature
Prefers 18–24°C (64–75°F) during active growth; tolerates cooler temperatures (10–15°C or 50–59°F) in winter dormancy.
Keep away from drafty windows in winter; provide shade in summer; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 weeks during active growth with a balanced cactus fertilizer, none in winter
Fertilize only during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing; water lightly before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Let it callus for 1–2 days.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (21–27°C or 70–81°F), humid, and bright indirect light with good air circulation.
Medium
Well-draining mix of cactus soil and perlite or sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
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 medium.
Quick Tips
Allow cuttings to callus before planting; use sterile tools; maintain humidity for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems cleanly with a sharp tool; allow cuts to callus before handling or repotting.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged stems to maintain shape and health.
Tools
Clean, sharp knife or pruning shears.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; cut cleanly; allow cuts to callus; dispose of pruned material.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.
Method
Remove plant carefully; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh cactus mix with good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; necessary to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Water sparingly before repotting; use fresh soil; ensure good drainage; allow to settle before normal watering.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting the crown or body of the cactus; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly during active growth (spring/summer) every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings. Reduce frequency to monthly or less in fall/winter.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to commercial cactus mix to enhance drainage and aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis, stunted growth, or soft rot in cold; wilting, sunburn, or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root rot if soil remains wet; may enter dormancy.
Solution: Ensure well-draining soil; reduce watering in cool periods; protect from frost and drafts.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause dehydration, sunburn, or scorching, especially with inadequate water or light.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced cactus fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; cease fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicEchinopsis eyriesii poses a slight toxicity risk to cats. The plant's compounds can induce mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. While not highly toxic, it is advisable to prevent cats from consuming the plant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicEchinopsis eyriesii is slightly toxic to dogs. The plant contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset when ingested. The toxicity is generally low, but ingestion should still be avoided to prevent discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicEchinopsis eyriesii, commonly known as the Fuchsia Cactus, is considered slightly toxic to humans. Ingestion can lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of saponins and other secondary metabolites. The effects are generally not severe but can cause irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water Echinopsis eyriesii?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings, especially during dormancy.
Q: Does this cactus need full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in bright, direct sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Why are the flowers not blooming?
A: Ensure the plant receives adequate light and is not overwatered, as both can inhibit blooming.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cactaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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