How to Grow and Care for the Peanut Cactus

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Growing and Care Guide for the Unique Peanut Cactus

This final cactus is perfect for hanging planters

The peanut cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus) is a branched cactus with finger-shaped stems that have growth habits clustered to the right.

This growing habit makes it a great option for hanging baskets and planters. Each ribbed stem can grow up to 6 inches long and 0.5 inches in diameter and is covered with small white bristles.

Although this cactus may appear prickly, the bristles of the peanut cactus are actually relatively soft, although touching them is not yet recommended, as these thin bristles can still pierce the skin and cause discomfort.

However, because the peanut cactus is soft, it is easier to handle and grow than some of its more pointed relatives.

In addition to its unique growth habit, the peanut cactus is also known for its beautiful flowers. The cactus blooms in the spring and summer, producing large, showy flowers that can be pink, red, orange, or yellow in color.

The flowers are large and flared, and they bloom at night, making them a popular choice for cactus enthusiasts who enjoy watching the cactus bloom.

The peanut cactus can be grown as a houseplant, but it also grows well outdoors in frost-free climates.

Peanut Cactus Care

The peanut cactus is a low-maintenance cactus that is easy to grow both indoors and out.

Native to Argentina, this mountain cactus enjoys clear, sunny conditions and infrequent irrigation.

Although the peanut cactus does not tolerate frost, it requires milder temperatures in winter to define buds for the next growing season. Healthy peanut cacti display beautiful red flowers from late spring to early summer.

Light

Like most cacti, the peanut cactus grows best in sunny conditions. It does not tolerate being cultivated in full shade or in low light. When grown outdoors, the peanut cactus should be planted in a sunny location.

Inconsistently hot climates, this cactus can enjoy some shade to protect it from the intense afternoon sun.

If grown indoors, the peanut cactus should be placed in the sunniest spot in your home. A bright window facing west or south is ideal.

Soil

In its natural habitat, the peanut cactus grows in sandy, well-drained soil.

If you are planting the peanut cactus outdoors, make sure that the soil is modified with lots of sand and pearlite to ensure that the water drains easily through the roots.

The peanut cactus is susceptible to root rot and cannot tolerate sitting in water. When growing peanut cacti indoors, a standard cactus or succulent potting soil is ideal.

Water

The peanut cactus is drought-tolerant due to its fleshy stems that store water and are easily susceptible to excessive hydration.

Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings, then water deeply, watering the soil completely. Reduce irrigation in winter, when the cactus is dormant.

Temperature and humidity

This cactus thrives in hot, dry climates and does not do well in humid conditions. The peanut cactus is not resistant to frost and can only grow outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10a to 11b.

That said, it is beneficial for the cactus to be exposed to milder temperatures during the winter to mimic its natural environment and encourage flowering.

Temperatures between 32 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 7 degrees Celsius) are ideal.

Average levels of humidity and domestic temperature are usually good for peanut cactus but avoid placing it in particularly humid places in the house, such as the bathroom.

Fertilizer

Peanut cactus is not considered a high-nutrition food and generally does not require regular fertilization.

However, you can benefit from monthly fertilization during the first months of the growing season with a low-intensity balanced fertilizer.

Fertilizers designed for cacti and succulents are a great option for the peanut cactus.

Is the Peanut Cactus Toxic?

The peanut cactus is not toxic to pets and humans. Despite this, it is not necessarily considered edible due to the spines that cover the entire surface of the plant, although they tend to be relatively soft.

Peanut Cactus Varieties

Echinopsis chamaecereus has several cultivators and varieties including:

• Echinopsis chamaecereus f. cristata
• Echinopsis chamaecereus ‘Annie’
• Echinopsis chamaecereus ‘Arlequin’
• Echinopsis chamaecereus ‘Boom’
• Echinopsis chamaecereus ‘Yellow Bird’
• Echinopsis chamaecereus ‘Rose Quartz’
• Echinopsis chamaecereus ‘Violet’

Propagating the Peanut Cactus

Like most cacti, the peanut cactus can be easily propagated by cuttings.

Simply let the tips of the broken branches or stems harden for 12-24 hours (until they are no longer "wet") and then push the base of the stem down into freshly prepared cactus or succulent soil.

Wait to water the newly planted stem until the roots begin to sprout, about 2-3 weeks.

Potting and Repotting the Peanut Cactus

The peanut cactus grows slowly and should not be replanted until it has grown larger than its previous container.

Be careful when replanting a peanut cactus, as the branches can easily break when handled. It is also recommended that you wear protective gardening gloves when transplanting.

Choose a pot size that is 2-3 inches larger than the old container. Plastic or clay pots are great options for the peanut cactus, as long as the pot has a drainage hole to allow excess water to drain.

Since the peanut cactus has a habit of crawling as it matures, it also looks great in containers or hanging baskets.

Common Pests and Diseases

This cactus is generally disease and pest-free, although it may be susceptible to some common houseplant pests, such as mealybugs.

The most common disease of the peanut cactus is root rot, which is caused by excessive moisture in the soil.

This can be avoided by choosing the correct soil and potting container for the cactus and watering infrequently.

Enjoy This Video Tutorial About peanut cactus care propagating cactus & repotting cactus

Source: Aj's Cacti

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