Also known as Black Lace Cactus · Lace Cactus · Lace Hedgehog Cactus
Classen's Cactus (Echinocereus reichenbachii) is a small, clumping cactus native to North America, known for its beautiful pink to magenta flowers and prominent spines.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours daily. Can tolerate some partial shade.
Infrequent
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce drastically in winter.
Sandy, Well-draining
50% intensity
Moderate to High
75% intensity
Enjoys warm temperatures during the growing season (20-30°C) and cooler, dry conditions in winter (5-10°C) for dormancy.
Low
25% intensity
Feed sparingly with a diluted cactus fertilizer only during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the soil is completely dry, typically every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Reduce watering significantly in fall and winter to prevent root rot, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Ensure good drainage.
Pruning is generally not required for Echinocereus reichenbachii unless removing damaged or diseased stems. If necessary, use a clean, sharp knife to make cuts flush with the main stem.
Allow cuts to callus over before repotting.
Easily propagated from offsets (pups) that naturally form at the base of the parent plant. Gently remove offsets with a clean knife, let them callus for a few days, and then plant in well-draining cactus mix.
Can also be grown from seed.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Repot in spring before active growth begins. Handle with care due to spines.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Classen's Cactus (Echinocereus reichenbachii)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Echinocereus |
| Species | Echinocereus reichenbachii |
Similar in genus Echinocereus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
