Wondering why Hedgehog Cactus is not producing a single flower even in its peak growing season? You may not have fulfilled the care requirement!
Follow along for more tips and tricks to make a Hedgehog Cactus flower.
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How Often Do Hedgehog Cactus Bloom?
Unlike the Christmas Cactus, Hedgehog Cactus are real Cactus with pointy spikes belonging to the genus Echinocereus.
These plants are most suited to the warm desert-like climate and require minimum watering.
Meanwhile, the flowers can be pink, purple, white, or red, blooming yearly, depending on the variety, and mostly unfurling in the summer.
Here is the Hedgehog Cactus flower overview!
| Indicator | Identity |
|---|---|
| Structure | Multiple petals arranged in circular shape, green stamen in the centre |
| Size | Tubular, bell-shaped flower, 2 to 3 inches in diameter |
| Color | White, pink, purple, green and red |
| Fragrance | Little to no fragrance |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic but spikes can harm your pets |
| Flower Lifespan | 8-10 days |
| Fruits | Edible red berries with seeds |
| Blooming Season | Late spring and summer |
| Blooming Frequency | Once every year |
The Cactus blooms last for about a week and are associated with endurance and resilience for their ability to thrive in little water and harsh environment.
While some take the flower as the symbol of beauty in the unexpected, the Hedgehog Cactus flower is only a biological stage of the plant, eventually developing into a fruit.
Indigenous people are found to consume the Hedgehog Cactus fruit once it is completely ripe.
Popular Hedgehog Cactus Flowers
The genus Echinocereus, collectively known as Hedgehog Cactus, includes more than 50 species.
Each Hedgehog Cactus variety has unique colored blooms that stand out among most houseplants.
From the rarest Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus to the most seen Scarlet Hedgehog, these Cacti can easily grow in your home garden if you provide warm or desert-like conditions.
Here are some popular options for Hedgehog Cactus flowers you might want to know about.
- Rainbow (Echinocereus rigidissimus): The flower of the Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus has a rainbow-like display of vibrant colors like red, pink, orange, and yellow blended harmoniously.
- Strawberry Cactus (Echinocereus engelmannii): Typically bell-shaped or tubular petals ranging from light pink to deep pink. Pink Hedgehog Cactus flower adds a soft and romantic touch.
- Nylon (Echinocereus viridiflorus): Known as Green flower Hedgehog Cactus, these blooms are small and compact, with various shades of green petals.
- Lace (Echinocereus reichenbachii): Pristine white flower contrasting the green stem is the highlight of the Hedgehog Cactus.
- Horse’s Teeth (Echinocereus pulchellus): These are small-flowered Hedgehog Cactus notable for their petite blossoms. Petals may be pink, white, or purple.
- Kingcup Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus): This variety of Hedgehog Cactus is known for its bold and fiery red flowers.
How To Get Hedgehog Cactus To Flower?
As far as the growth of Echinocereus is concerned, Cactus, in general, are low-maintenance.
However, to witness the flowers of the Hedgehog Cactus, you have to fulfill its basic care requirements.
- Ample Sunlight: Place the Hedgehog Cactus in a location that allows 6 to 8 hours of full bright sunlight. If indoor, a south-facing window should suffice the requirement.
- Water Sparingly: Overwatering during the winter can cause root rot and inhibit flowering. So, bottom water the plant when the top 2 inches of soil dry out.
- Proper Temperature: Try maintaining the day temperature between 70°F and 90°F and nighttime around 50-55°F to provoke flowering.
- Well-draining soil: Use Cactus soil mix with a pH of 6.5. Or, simply make the potting mix by combining three parts of vermiculite and one part of peat moss and sand soil each.
- Overwintering: Move your outdoor Hedgehog Cactus to a cool, dry place like the garage or basement to induce flowering.
- Annual Fertilization: Not a heavy feeder, but low-nitrogen fertilizer once before the blooming season help with bud formation.
From Editorial Team
Keep Away From Pets!
Hedgehog Cactus and its flower are non-toxic, but can tight spines can cause injury to your pet’s body.
Use a pet deterrent and keep your plant out of your pet’s reach to help them co-exist.
