Origin
The Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton, commonly known as Davis' hedgehog cactus, is a species of cactus that is native to the Davis Mountains in West Texas. It grows in the Chihuahuan Desert at an altitude of 4000-7000 feet.
Common Names
The Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton has several common names, including Davis' hedgehog cactus, Davis Mountains hedgehog cactus, and Davis Mountains echinocereus.
Uses
The plant has no known medicinal or economic uses. It is primarily cultivated as an ornamental plant and used in xeriscaping due to its ability to survive in arid conditions.
Appearance
The Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton is a small cactus that grows up to 3 inches in height and 4-5 inches in width. It has a round to cylindrical shape and is covered in spines. The cactus' flowers bloom in the spring or early summer and are bright pink or purple in color. The fruit it produces is edible, though small in size and often dry.
Light Requirements
Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton is a sun-loving plant that requires full sunlight to thrive. Therefore, it should be placed in an area where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown indoors, a south-facing window that receives ample sunlight is ideal
Temperature Requirements
Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton prefers warm temperatures and can grow well in areas with hot summers. It can generally tolerate high temperatures of up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit during summer and can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit during winter dormancy. Ideally, the plant should be kept at a temperature range between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements
Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton does best in dry, well-draining soil mixtures. The soil should consist of a combination of sand, gravel, and loam with a pH level of about 6.0 to 7.5. This type of soil will make it easier for the plant to absorb nutrients and water while draining excess moisture.
It is essential to avoid using soil that tends to retain moisture as this may cause root rot, which can ultimately kill the plant. The plant is also prone to fungal diseases, and therefore, it is recommended to treat the soil with a fungicide before planting the cactus.
Cultivation methods
Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton, commonly known as Davis’s hedgehog cactus, is a species of cactus that is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Texas and Mexico. This plant grows best in well-draining soil, with ample sand, rock, or perlite for proper drainage. It also requires full sunlight for most of the day to thrive. It is recommended to plant Echinocereus davisii in a container with drainage holes or in a raised bed to ensure proper drainage.
Watering needs
Echinocereus davisii requires infrequent watering. It can withstand periods of drought but can also rot if overwatered. In general, the plant should be watered every two to three weeks during its growing season in spring and summer. During the fall and winter, water can be reduced to every four to six weeks. It is essential to ensure that the soil is entirely dry before watering again to prevent damage to the plant.
Fertilization
Echinocereus davisii does not require frequent fertilizing but will benefit from a yearly application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring when growth begins. A 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 fertilizer with a low nitrogen content is ideal. Over-fertilizing can cause the plant to grow too quickly, which can lead to weak growth and damage.
Pruning
Echinocereus davisii does not require much pruning, but it can be beneficial to remove any dead or damaged parts of the plant during its dormant season in the fall. Any pruning should be done with clean shears to prevent any infection from spreading. This plant naturally forms a compact, round shape, making it an ideal plant for rock gardens or containers.
Propagation of Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton
Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton is a small, slow-growing cactus that can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Echinocereus davisii is through seeds. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil mix, kept moist in a shaded area with consistent temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The germination period can take up to two to three weeks, and the seedlings should be kept in a warm and protected environment for the first few months.
Offsets Propagation
Echinocereus davisii can also be propagated through offsets. The offsets, also called "pups," grow around the base of the main plant. They can be gently removed from the parent plant using a sharp and sterilized knife. The offsets should be left to dry for a few days before being replanted in a well-draining soil mix. They should be kept in a shaded area for the first few weeks until they have rooted.
Cuttings Propagation
Echinocereus davisii can also propagate from cuttings. The cutting should be taken from the stem of the plant and left to dry for a few days before being replanted in well-draining soil mix. It is essential to allow the cutting to dry before replanting to prevent rotting. The cutting should be kept in a shaded area and watered minimally until established.
Overall, Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton is an easy-to-propagate cactus that can be propagated through various methods, from seed propagation to offset and cutting propagation.
Disease Management for Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton
Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton is a robust plant with little to no issues regarding disease. However, there are some fungal and bacterial diseases that might be a concern. The most common and destructive diseases that might affect Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton are mentioned below.
- Fusarium rot: This is a fungal disease that commonly affects Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton, causing stem rot, wilted plant appearance, and blackening of the stem. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant and avoid watering plants excessively.
- Pythium rot: This is another fungal disease that is responsible for root rot and stem wilt of Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton. Fungicides can be used to control this disease, but prevention is better than cure, so make sure to avoid over-watering.
- Bacterial canker: This disease causes sunken lesions on the stem or root of the plant and can lead to death. Use a copper-based fungicide to manage the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton
Some common insects and pests that might affect Echinocereus davisii A.D. Houghton include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. To manage these pests, take the following measures:
- Spider mites: Spider mites affect the leaves of the plant, causing them to yellow and distort. Use an insecticidal soap to control this pest.
- Mealybugs: These soft-bodied insects are usually found in crevices or where the stems of plants join. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them.
- Scale insects: These insects appear as small brown scales on the plant. They cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. Use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to remove them.
Prevention is always better than cure, and regular monitoring of the plant for signs of diseases and pests can help to ensure that the plant remains healthy.
