Rainbow Cactus

Rainbow Cactus Care

Echinocereus pectinatus

What is the plant

Rainbow Cactus is an ornamental prickly plant that can add a touch of tropics to any dwelling. Its unusual hairy surface and a purple top have enchanted many plant lovers worldwide.

Commonly known as Rainbow Cactus, Purple Candle Cactus, and Lace Cactus, Echinocereus pectinatus is a perennial member of the Cactaceae family. Native to Western America and Mexico, this Cactus grows on rocky slopes in its natural habitat. Grown indoors, the Cactus can reach 11 in (30 cm) in height and 4 in (10 cm) in diameter. Its spines are so thick that the stem is barely visible. They are beige in color but can fade or become pinkish closer to the top. Just like other Cacti, Rainbow Cactus produces impressive, short-lasting flowers from June to August. The purple petals are creamy at the base, forming a light throat. The flower’s middle is accompanied by numerous stamens with red anthers.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

14°C - 20°C

Hardiness zone

10 - 11

Difficulty

Easy

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Like many Cacti, Purple Candle Cactus can’t stand frequent watering. It is drought tolerant. Water it once a week in summer and once every two weeks during colder periods.
Pruning
It’s not recommended to prune Purple Candle Cactus. The only popular cause to practice it is propagation.
Fertilizer
Feed the plant with cactus-specific fertilizer every 2-3 months during the spring-summer growing season. Avoid nourishing the plant in fall and winter when it goes dormant.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Plenty of direct sunlight is what Rainbow Cactus enjoys. Keep it in a south or west-facing window to create a close-to-natural growing conditions environment.
Soil
It’s best to plant Lace Cactus in a well-draining, nutrient-poor soil. The ideal ground pH is between 5 and 7. It’s recommended to amend the soil’s drainage by mixing some sand or perlite.
Propagation
Wait until the Cactus produces baby Cacti and cut them with a sharp blade at a 45° angle. Leave the cuttings for a few days to let the callus emerge. Plant them in a well-draining soil mix and keep the ground consistently moist to let the new plants enroot.

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Temperature
A mild temperature of 59-75℉ (15-25℃) is best for Rainbow Cactus. It’s recommended to keep the plant away from cold drafts and severe temperature fluctuations. Avoid exposing the Cactus to temperatures below 50℉ (10°C) as it can cause severe harm to the plant.
Container
It’s recommended to choose a bit bigger pot than the plant’s current root ball. The Cactus is not root-bound, so using a big container is not a good practice. Choose a pot made of unglazed ceramics or terra cotta to ensure proper root aeration. It should have at least one drainage hole to prevent waterlogging.
Fun fact
The plant’s common name “Rainbow Cactus” is influenced by its distinctive flower coloring. Despite the white or pinkish spines, mature Cactus produces magenta or purple blooms.

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Popularity
285 people already have this plant 45 people have added this plant to their wishlists

Common pests
Mealybugs are the most common culprits of Purple Candle Cactus. It’s important to keep a close eye on the plant and treat it with insecticide in case of any pest presence signs.
Frequent diseases
Root rot is the most common Cacti disease. It’s important to maintain an appropriate watering routine to avoid waterlogging the soil. If the plant suffers from rot, treat the roots with fungicide and replant the greenie with fresh soil.
Botanist’s tips