Easter lily cactus (Echinopsis oxygona)
Also known as: Pink Easter lily cactus, Red Easter lily cactus
Easter lily cactus (Echinopsis oxygona) is an evergreen, cylinder-shaped cactus that will grow from 30 to 46 cm tall and 61 cm wide. From spring to summer, it blooms with eye-catching blossoms of pink flowers that fade to white in the center. Thrives in full sun and prefers dry to medium, well-drained soil. Pet-friendly, it can be grown in the garden or container to add beauty and interest to landscape or patio.
In This Article
Attributes of Easter lily cactus
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Succulent
Plant Height
10 cm to 15 cm
Spread
5 cm to 25 cm
Leaf Color
N/A (Cacti have spines instead of leaves)
Flower Size
14 cm
Flower Color
Pink White
Images of Easter lily cactus
Quickly Identify Easter lily cactus
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Rounded form with 11-18 prominent ribs and stout spines.
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Large, showy flowers in white to pink on woolly stems.
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Night-blooming flowers up to 4 inches (10 cm) across.
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Globular, succulent fruit 0.6-1.2 inches (1.5-3 cm) in diameter.
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Straight, slender spines up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length.
Scientific Classification of Easter lily cactus
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Caryophyllales
Family
Cactuses
Genus
Hedgehog cactusses
Species
Easter lily cactus
Planting and Growing of Easter lily cactus
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 2 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
4-6 hours
Ideal Temperature
68-77℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Ceramic
How to Water Easter lily cactus?
For Echinopsis oxygona, ensure the soil is sufficiently moist by providing about 100 milliliters of water per session. It's crucial to let the top 1 to 2 inches of soil dry out between waterings to avoid waterlogging the roots.
More About Watering Techniques→
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Easter lily cactus?
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What should I do if my Easter lily cactus is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Easter lily cactus?
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How to save an overwatered Easter lily cactus?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Easter lily cactus?
Echinopsis oxygona favors an environment with partial to full sun exposure. Ideal light conditions encourage optimal growth, rich flowering, and overall vitality, enhancing its ornamental appeal.
More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→
How much sunlight does Echinopsis oxygona need?
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What if full sun isn't available?
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Should I move them during different seasons?
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Easter lily cactus?
The ideal temperature range for Echinopsis oxygona is between 68°F and 77°F. This range allows the cactus to thrive by facilitating optimal growth and flower production. During this temperature range, the plant can effectively perform its physiological processes, including photosynthesis, respiration, and transpiration, which are crucial for maintaining its robust health.
What Soil is Best for Easter lily cactus?
Echinopsis oxygona thrives in well-drained soil, which prevents waterlogging and root rot. This type of soil enhances aeration, allowing oxygen to reach the roots efficiently, promoting healthy growth and flowering. While not overly demanding, Echinopsis oxygona benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate. Incorporating organic matter or a cactus fertilizer can provide essential nutrients, improving the cactus's vigor and resilience to environmental stress. The soil needs to dry completely between waterings as Echinopsis oxygona is susceptible to root rot if kept too wet. This requirement ensures healthier root systems by mimicking the natural cycles of moisture availability in their native habitats.
More About Soil→
How to Fertilize Easter lily cactus?
For Echinopsis oxygona, it is important to apply a balanced fertilizer solution with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) ratio around 10-10-10. Use a diluted solution to avoid root burn, approximately 1/4 strength of a standard houseplant feeding. Be wary not to over-fertilize, as this can cause damage.
How to Prune Easter lily cactus?
Before pruning, carefully inspect the cactus for any dead, damaged, or diseased segments. Identifying and removing these parts can help maintain the plant's overall health and vitality. Make cuts just above the joint of the stem and ensure they are clean and at a slight angle. This minimizes water pooling on the cut surface and reduces chances of infection. After pruning, place the cactus in a warm, dry place and allow the cuts to callus for a few days. This will prevent infections and ensure that the plant heals properly. Dispose of the removed segments properly to prevent attracting pests or spreading diseases. Small trimmings can be composted, but ensure that any diseased material is discarded in the trash.
How to Propagate Easter lily cactus plant?
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Begin by collecting seeds from mature Echinopsis oxygona flowers after the blooming period. Allow the seeds to dry thoroughly before storing them in a cool, dark place until ready for sowing.
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Select healthy and mature stems for cutting propagation. Using a sterile knife, make a clean cut and allow the cutting to callus over for a few days in a dry, shaded area to prevent rot.
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For division, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate offsets from the parent plant. Make sure each division has a healthy root system before replanting in well-draining soil.
How to Repot Easter lily cactus plant?
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Observe Echinopsis oxygona for signs like roots growing through pot drainage holes or soil compacted tightly around the base. These indicate the plant is ready for a new home. Repotting during active growth phases ensures quick adaptation.
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Choose a pot marginally larger than the current one, with sufficient drainage holes. A modest size minimizes risks of overwatering, reducing root rot chances. Opting for terracotta assists in moisture evaporation, ideal for succulents like this cactus.
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Select a well-draining cactus potting mix, comprising parts of sand, perlite, and organic material. Such a mix prevents water accumulation around the roots, facilitating healthy nutrient uptake while mimicking their natural arid environment.
