Origin and Common Names
Echinocereus fendleri (Engelm.) F. Seitz var. bonkerae (Thornb. & Bonker) L. Benson, more commonly known as Bonker's fishhook cactus, is a plant species that belongs to the Cactaceae family. It is native to the United States, specifically found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The cactus plant gets its name "Bonker's" from botanist W.F. Bonker, while its species name ("fendleri") is named in honor of American botanist Augustus Fendler.General Appearance
Bonker's fishhook cactus grows in a clump of cylindrical stems that are green and slightly flattened. The stems of the plant are variable in height, ranging from 6 to 20 inches (15 to 50 cm) tall, and it often forms clumps with many branches. The plant also has 8-12 ribs that have areoles with black spines that grow up to 2 to 4 cm long. Bonker's fishhook cactus blooms beautiful pinkish to rose-purple flowers that grow on the tips of the stems, which usually occur in the late spring.Uses
The Bonker's fishhook cactus is utilized in several ways. One of the main uses is that it serves as a decoration plant in gardens. It can be grown in pots or outdoor gardens that receive ample sunlight, and it adds a beautiful touch of color and texture to any space. The plant is also used medicinally in some cultures to treat headaches and foot pain. Additionally, the plant is used in landscaping to prevent soil erosion by holding the soil firmly in place with its roots. Indigenous people use the plant for food by consuming its fruits as well. Overall, this plant is a vital part of many ecosystems, and even with its ecological importance, research shows that it does not have any major industrial uses.Light Requirements
Echinocereus fendleri var. bonkerae needs plenty of sun exposure to grow and thrive. It requires full sunlight for at least 6 hours daily for growth. The plant can also tolerate a little shade, especially in the afternoon, when the sun is too hot. However, extended periods of shade can negatively affect its growth and flowering ability.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers a warm climate and can thrive in a temperature range of 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C). During the winter months, the plant goes dormant and needs cooler temperatures to survive. It can withstand extremely low temperatures of down to -20°F (-29°C) without damage but can also face rotting when exposed to prolonged cold, wet conditions.
Soil Requirements
Echinocereus fendleri var. bonkerae prefers well-drained and slightly alkaline soils with a pH of around 7.0 to 8.0. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, porous, and not heavily compacted to provide ample room for roots to grow. Too much moisture can cause root rot, so it is important to ensure the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged. A blend of sand, perlite, and regular garden soil is ideal for this cactus.
Cultivation Methods
Echinocereus fendleri var. bonkerae is a cactus plant that requires well-draining soil. The soil should have a high sand content. It is also recommended to choose a pot that has drainage holes and fills it with cactus soil mix. A sunny spot with partial shade is ideal for it to grow.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Echinocereus fendleri var. bonkerae are minimal, as it can tolerate dry conditions. You should only water it when the soil is completely dry. The watering frequency and amount may vary depending on the climate, but generally, it requires water once a week during the growing season. In winter, it requires less frequent watering.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the healthy growth of Echinocereus fendleri var. bonkerae. It is recommended to use a balanced liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize once a month during the growing season, but avoid fertilizing during winter. Over-fertilizing can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Echinocereus fendleri var. bonkerae is not necessary. However, you may prune it to maintain its shape and remove unwanted parts of the plant. Use sterilized pruning shears to prune and avoid damaging the plant. It is also recommended to prune during the growing season when the plant can recover quickly.
Propagation of Echinocereus fendleri var. bonkerae
Echinocereus fendleri var. bonkerae is typically propagated through both sexual and asexual means.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seed is the preferred method for maintaining the genetic diversity of this plant. Echinocereus fendleri var. bonkerae seeds can be collected from ripe fruit and cleaned of debris. The seeds are then sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept uniformly moist until germination occurs. Optimal germination temperatures range from 60-80°F and can take 2-4 weeks to occur. Once the seedlings have developed two true leaves, they can be transplanted into their own container.
Vegetative Propagation
Echinocereus fendleri var. bonkerae can also be propagated asexually through cuttings or offsets. Cuttings can be taken from healthy stem segments and allowed to callus over before being placed in a well-draining cactus mix. Roots will begin to form within a few weeks, and the new plant can be watered as it becomes established.
Offsets can also form around the base of mature plants. These can be carefully removed and transplanted in their own container, ensuring that the offset's stem calluses over before watering.
Disease Management
Echinocereus fendleri (Engelm.) F. Seitz var. bonkerae is relatively resistant to diseases. However, some common diseases that may affect the plant include fungal infections such as root rot, stem rot, and leaf spot.
To manage fungal infections in Echinocereus fendleri (Engelm.) F. Seitz var. bonkerae, it is vital to limit the conditions that promote their growth. It is recommended to provide enough space between plants to enhance proper air circulation and reduce humidity. Additionally, avoid over-watering, especially during the colder months, when the plant requires less water.
If you notice any signs of fungal infections, such as discolored or wilting leaves, remove the affected parts of the plant immediately and dispose of them properly.
Pest Management
Like many desert plants, Echinocereus fendleri (Engelm.) F. Seitz var. bonkerae is susceptible to attack by some common pests such as mites, mealybugs, and aphids.
One effective way to prevent pest infestation is to regularly inspect your plant for any signs of pest activity. If you notice any signs such as sticky residue, webbing, or distorted leaves, take action immediately. You can physically remove the pests using a soft brush or cloth, or you can spray the plant with water to dislodge and remove the pests.
Additionally, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control a heavy pest infestation. However, it is advised to use these products sparingly as overuse can harm the plant. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying pesticides.
