Picture via Wikimedia
Basic Info
Echinopsis Huascha is known as the Red torch Cactus. As the plant matures you can expect it to reach up to 90 cm (3ft) tall and about 8 cm (3.2″) in diameter. The plant has around 10 to 18 ribs as best seen in the picture and it features about 10 to 14 brownish spines. When it flowers you can expect orange, yellow or red flowers from spring to early summer.
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Echinopsis
Care and Propagation Information
Watering
Echinopsis Huascha ‘Red Torch Cactus’ can be quite beautiful when it is well-taken care of. This succulent type needs typical watering as the other succulents. The watering method is very important to keep your Red Torch Cactus healthy. It should not sit on the water, and an excess amount of water should be avoided. The best way of watering is soak and dry method this succulent. Yet, the succulent should be controlled to avoid overwatering.
General Care for Echinopsis Huascha ‘Red Torch Cactus’
This succulent type is a unique one that blooms in the spring. When it blooms, you will enjoy orange, red or yellow flowers. It is a nice addition to your collection of plants especially if you have it displayed in a beautiful pot.
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Quick Facts:
- Prefers full sun
- Can be grown outdoor
- Grows 90 cm (3ft) tall
- Grows up to 8 cm (3.2″) wide
- Can die easily if overwatered see: How to Water Succulent Plants
- Does not handle cold well
- Prefers Zone 9b-11b 3.9 °C (25°F)
- Best propagated by offsets or seeds
- Flowers are red, yellow or orange
Where to Plant
Echinopsis Huascha ‘Red Torch Cactus’ succulents need strong light. When planting this succulent type in a garden, make sure it gets sunlight. Full to partial sun is the best for its growth. It is better to grow outdoor rather than indoor.
This type of succulent prefers a warm climate. It can survive at zone 9b-11b which is around -3.9°C (25°F). If you live in a cold area, it is better to plant Red Torch Cactus in an indoor environment. As long as it gets enough sunlight, the plant will grow happily.
When selecting what pot to use be sure that you understand the difference between the material used (See our guide on how to pick the best plant pot).
How to Propagate Echinopsis Huascha ‘Red Torch Cactus’
Red Torch Cactus can be propagated by offsets or seeds. This succulent type does not require repotting often. Of course, the first-time repotting is essential when it is bought from the store. You can learn all about How To Repot Succulents in our guide.
Like all the other succulent types, a well-drained soil mixture is essential. If you want to know about well-drained soil mixtures, check How to Prepare Well-drained Soil for Succulent Plants.
How to Propagate Echinopsis Huascha ‘Red Torch Cactus’ From Offsets
The Red Torch Cactus propagates from offsets. To be able to propagate from the mother plant, you might wait several years for the main plant to produce an offset. To start this process, use a sharp knife and remove an offset from the main plant. When you remove the offset, clean the extra soil from it. Before replanting, wait for a few days to allow it to callous. Use well-draining soil for your new succulent plant. Don’t forget to water when the soil dries out.
How to Propagate Echinopsis Huascha ‘Red Torch Cactus’ Using Seeds
This succulent type is a slow grower so even if it can be propagated by its seeds, this method is not recommended. To propagate from the seeds, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture. This method can be used outdoors. In cooler areas, indoor propagating is recommended.
Origin and Habitat
Echinopsis Huascha ‘Red Torch Cactus’ is native to Argentina.
