Echinocereus Species, Alicoche, Dog Tail, Lady Finger Cactus

Echinocereuspentalophus

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Echinocereus (ek-in-oh-KER-ee-us)
Species
pentalophus (pen-ta-LOH-fus)
Synonym
Cereus pentalophus
Cereus pentalophus var. leptacanthus
Echinocereus leptacanthus
Echinocereus pentalophus subsp. pentalophus
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
Spacing
3-6 in. (7-15 cm)
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Pink
Magenta (pink-purple)
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Chandler, Arizona

Green Valley, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

Queen Creek, Arizona

Clovis, California

Los Angeles, California

Redding, California

San Marino, California

Lutz, Florida

Henderson, Nevada

Harlingen, Texas

Portland, Texas

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Gardener's Notes:

2
positives
1
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
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F
Josephine, Arlington, TX (Zone 8a) | September 2006 | neutral

Echinocereus pentalophus is Endemic to Texas.

X
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | May 2005 | positive

The 'pentalophus' subspecies has stem that can be either prostrate or erect having 3 to 5 ribs and 3 to 7 spines per areole. It is the mo...Read More

C
Henderson, NV (Zone 9b) | February 2005 | positive

This cactus is from southern Texas to norhteastern Mexico. The five-ribbed stems are about one inch thick and tend to creep as they aged...Read More

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