Ehynokaktus - cactus family cactus spherical shape. Homeland - subtropical deserts of Mexico and the United States. It is also known as succulents dolhozhyvuschyy Yezhov cactus in Greek echinos - hedgehog. The height of these cacti can reach 3 meters in diameter and - 1.5 meters. Some ehinokaktusy weigh more than 1 ton, their age can exceed 500 years.

Lighting. Ehynokaktus - plant very light, so the south window - it is the place. In March of pot plants require slightly pritenyat until cactus comes out of hibernation. Yezhov cactus feels good in a well ventilated area.

Temperature. Thermophilic cactus does not tolerate temperature decrease below the 8 °C. In the summer it can be put on the Unglazed balcony (daily temperature drops it useful), winter put in a room with a temperature of 10-12 °C.

Humidity. It tolerates dry air. In the summer, once a month, you can spray while trying to prevent water from falling on the flower.

Irrigation. From April to September ehinokaktus watered sparingly when layer of soil dries out to third. From extreme dryness cactus can zmorschytysya and overflow its stem can rot. Autumn reduce watering in winter is almost watered.

Feeding. From April to September 1 every 3 weeks is recommended to feed ehinokaktus fertilizer for cacty.

Transplantation. Young cacti usually transplanted in spring every 2 years older plants - every 3-4 years. The plant, with an elongated lump of land, it is recommended not to put immediately into a new pot and leave for 2-3 days to damaged roots dried. At the bottom of the new pot necessarily need to fill drainage of expanded clay or broken bricks layer 3-4 cm.

As the substrate can be used shoplifter slightly acidic (pH 5.5) soil for cacti or cook it yourself. To do this, mix in equal parts lean ground coarse sand and clay. Mixture should be steamed to destroy germs and pests.

Bloom. Flowering cactus Yezhov summer, white tubular flowers. With some luck on the plant can produce 5-6 flowers at a time of 8-10 cm in diameter.

As mentioned, ehinokaktus rarely bloom indoors. However, this event may occur if perezimuet cactus in a cool, dry and light indoors.

Important!!! DO NOT cactus blossom if its about an axis and move it from place to place.

Reproduction. Propagated by seeds as well as the children (descendants side). Spring kids carefully separated from the mother plant and transplanted into soil for cacti adding coarse sand. Seeds are sown in early spring.

Plants in winter. Ehinokaktus in the winter rest. It is advisable to place the plant in a dry cool room (10-12 °C) and not water until spring. If cactus winters at a higher temperature, it is poured about 1 time per month.

Diseases and pests. If excessive dryness can marvel spider mite and mealybug, especially at a young age. When overflow rots the roots and stem of the plant.

Interesting facts. Ehynokaktus can live up to 500 years. In Mexico, with soft pulp of some species of preparing candied fruit.