Echinopsis pentlandii longispinus

Echinopsis pentlandii longispinus

The Echinopsis pentlandii longispinus is an interesting species with its hundreds of helter-skelter extra long spines, some of which are four inches long. I don’t know any other species of Echinopsis that has spines like this, which is what attracted me to this cactus. This long-spined form has a more elongated stem than E. pentlandii, whose stem is ball-like.

E. pentlandii longispinus needs little water, and in Phoenix, light shade. Actually, it’s not suited for Zone 9b gardens because it is frost tender, but potted specimens do well if protected during the coldest weather. USDA Zones 10-12 are ideal for this species.

I purchased this cactus just last month, so I’ll have to wait until spring to see what color the flowers turn out to be. This species can produce flowers that range from pink to red and orange to yellow. I would love it if they turned out to be a bright yellow or deep pink.