Easter Lily Cactus Echinopsis oxygona
Other plants called Easter Lily Cactus:
Previously known as:
- Echinopsis multiplex
- Phonetic Spelling
- ek-in-OP-sis ok-SEE-goh-nuh
- Description
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Easter Lily Cactus is native to Brazil and Argentina and is in the Cactaceae family. These cacti are usually rounded in form with 11- 18 ribs and many stout spines. They are known for producing large white or pink flowers on long wooly stems that open in the evening and close by midday. They are not only showy but have a light pleasing scent. Blooms occur in spring to summer. In a pot, these cacti may reach 2 feet across and 1 foot tall. They will produce offsets that can be used to propagate new plants when they are large enough.
Easter lily cactus is fairly fast-growing for a cactus so will require a little more water than some cacti do. It likes bright light but will appreciate some protection from the afternoon sun if growing outdoors. In a pot, be sure to use a well-draining succulent mix to prevent root rot and cut back on watering in the winter. It is able to withstand a light frost if kept dry.
In warm winter areas, this plant can be used in rock or crevice gardens. Most often this plant is used as a container houseplant.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems but watch for mealy bugs. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Echinopsis
- Species:
- oxygona
- Family:
- Cactaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Most often used as a houseplant.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Southern Brazil
- Distribution:
- South Brazil, Uruguay, North Argentina
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Easy to Grow
- Fragrance
- Textural
- Dimensions:
- Height: 0 ft. 10 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Succulent
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Coarse
- Appendage:
- Spines
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10b, 10a, 11b, 11a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Green
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Fleshy fruits with many seeds.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Funnel
- Flower Petals:
- more than 20 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- Flowers are night-blooming, have multiple rays and are white or pink. They can reach up to 4 inches across. May produce flowers throughout the late spring through summer.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- This plant has many spines that are modified leaves.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Surface:
- Smooth (glabrous)
- Stem Description:
- The ribbed stem is round with multiple spines
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Patio
- Pool/Hardscape
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Diseases
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Heat
- Insect Pests
- Rabbits
