Echinopsis albispinosa, the white spine cactus, is a small, globular cactus with distinctive white spines. It produces showy white flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright indirect light
75% intensity
Prefers bright light, but protect from intense, direct midday sun, especially in hot climates.
Infrequent
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce drastically in winter.
Cactus mix
50% intensity
Warm to moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 20-27°C during the day. Can tolerate cooler temperatures (around 10-15°C) in winter for dormancy.
Indoor, Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed with a balanced, diluted fertilizer during the growing season. Do not fertilize during dormancy.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
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/summer). Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Pruning is rarely necessary for Echinopsis albispinosa. If removing offsets or damaged parts, use a clean, sharp knife or blade. Allow cuts to callus over for a few days before repotting to prevent infection.
Easily propagated from offsets (pups) that grow around the base of the parent plant. Carefully remove offsets with a sharp knife, allow the cut surface to dry and callus for several days, then plant in well-draining cactus mix.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container, preferably in spring. Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix.
Choose a pot with drainage holes and ensure it's only slightly larger than the current root ball.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of White Spine Cactus (Echinopsis albispinosa)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Echinopsis |
| Species | Echinopsis albispinosa |
Similar in genus Echinopsis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
