Echinocereus Ladyfinger Plants
Echinocereus pentalophus is a cactus native to Mexico and known in English as ladyfinger cactus. The name comes from the stems that are long and narrow, like fingers. They grow from the center, erect when small, but more sprawling and spilling when longer. This feature makes the ladyfinger a great choice for a bed that needs a low spreading plant, or a container or hanging basket. Ultimately, ladyfinger cactus plants will spread out to about 3 feet (1 m.) across with a height of about 8 inches (20 cm.). The stems are attractive, but they are not all this cactus has to offer. It produces some of the loveliest and most show-stopping of succulent flowers. The ladyfinger cactus flowers are large and bright pink, with a white to yellow center and they bloom profusely in spring.
How to Grow Ladyfinger Cactus
As with other succulents, ladyfinger cactus care is pretty easy and hands-off once you set it up in the right conditions. This cactus is native to Mexico and as far north as southern Texas. If you are going to grow it outdoors, you need a similarly hot, desert-like climate. If you are not in an area like this, ladyfinger cactus can be successfully grown in containers and overwintered indoors. Use a standard cactus soil mix and make sure the bed or container drains well. Your ladyfinger will not tolerate any standing water or soil that is too moist. Give it a sunny spot or some partial shade, and water the cactus only occasionally along with infrequent light fertilizing. With just these few considerations, you can expect a ladyfinger cactus to grow rapidly and to be a low maintenance plant for indoors or outdoor cactus beds.
