Arizona rainbow cactus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arizona rainbow cactus |
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| Echinocereus rigidissimus subsp. rubispinus in flower | |
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Echinocereus
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| Species: |
rigidissimus
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The Arizona rainbow cactus (also called the rainbow hedgehog cactus) is a very special plant. Its scientific name is Echinocereus rigidissimus. This cactus usually grows alone and doesn't often sprout new branches or baby plants.
When it's fully grown, the Arizona rainbow cactus can reach about 30 cm (12 inches) tall and 11 cm (4 inches) wide. Its spines are shaped like a comb and curve slightly towards the stem. When they first appear, these spines are a pretty reddish or magenta color. As they get older, they change to a yellow or light pink.
This cactus blooms many times during the spring. Bright pink flowers with a white center grow from the top of the plant. If the flowers are pollinated, the cactus will grow round fruits. These fruits are green to dark purple and have white flesh inside. They contain dark brown or black seeds. The fruit usually appears about three months after the flowers. Since this cactus rarely grows new plants from its base, it is usually grown from seeds.
Where the Rainbow Cactus Lives
The Arizona rainbow cactus grows naturally in several places. You can find it in Chihuahua and Sonora, which are states in Mexico. It also lives in the United States, in Arizona and New Mexico.
This cactus likes to grow at high places, from 1,200 to 2,000 meters (about 3,900 to 6,500 feet) above sea level. It especially likes slopes that face south. You won't often see it growing on flat ground. It seems to prefer an elevation of about 1,500 meters (about 4,900 feet).
These plants can survive small grass fires. However, they cannot handle very hot fires. In perfect conditions, these cacti can grow up to 45 cm (18 inches) tall. In 2018, one plant in the Santa Catalina mountains was measured at 48 cm (19 inches), which was a new record!
The flowers usually appear from late April to early June. The exact time depends on how high up the plant is and how warm the spring has been. These cacti won't flower if they are stressed, but it's rare for them not to bloom. Sadly, their natural homes are being harmed by cattle, people collecting cacti, and off-road vehicles. Because of this, these beautiful plants are becoming less common in southern Arizona.
How to Care for a Rainbow Cactus
If you want to grow an Arizona rainbow cactus, it needs special soil. The soil must drain water very well because this cactus doesn't like too much water. It prefers soil with lots of small stones and not much organic material. This helps the soil dry out quickly after watering.
During its main growing season, from spring to early autumn, the cactus needs lots of sunlight. It can also handle some shade. Good air movement around the plant is also important. This helps prevent the plant from rotting.
In winter, you should not water the Arizona rainbow cactus. Keep its soil completely dry. This helps the plant get ready to produce beautiful flowers in the spring. This cactus is quite tough and can survive cold temperatures down to about −12 °C (10 °F).
See also
In Spanish: Echinocereus rigidissimus para niños
