Echinopsis ferox

Autumn-Winter · Indoors

Keep dry during dormancy

Keep dry during the period of dormancy or resting, which is likely to be from the middle of the autumn until spring.

Autumn-Winter · Outdoors

Keep dry during dormancy

Keep dry during the period of dormancy or resting, which is likely to be from the middle of the autumn until spring.

Spring-Summer · Indoors

Feed with cactus feed

Use specialist cactus feed that is higher in the elements that promote flowers, and apply monthly from April till August.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen and potassium have higher values.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Water regularly during growth

Water regularly while in growth

Adopt a regime whereby plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.

Spring-Summer · Outdoors

Feed with cactus feed

Use specialist cactus feed that is higher in the elements that promote flowers, and apply monthly from April till August.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen and potassium have higher values.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water regularly during growth

Water regularly while in growth

Adopt a regime whereby plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.

Spring - early-mid · Planting

Divide when too large

The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.

Indoor temperature · Planting

10C minimum temperature

This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 Centigrade.

Compost · Planting

Cactus compost for repotting

Use standard cactus compost. Top the soil with grit or granite chips to ensure perfect drainage around plant stem. Repot when the plant is dry and delay watering for 3 days after repotting.

You can also make own compost using 3 parts John Innes no. 2, 1 part horticultural grit, and 1 part horticultural grade perlite or pumice. There are many 'recipes' available and opinions vary widely - consult specialist literature or websites.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a sunny spot, eg windowsill

Give this plant a position where there is as much light and sunlight as possible. It is suitable for sunny windowsills as it can cope with high day temperatures and lower night temperatures.