Echinopsis Ancistrophora cactus

☀️ Light

• Loves bright, direct sunlight — at least 4–6 hours daily.

• Best on a sunny windowsill (south or west-facing).

• If indoors, rotate the pot occasionally so it grows evenly.

💧 Water

• Water thoroughly but infrequently — let soil dry out completely between waterings.

• In summer: roughly every 2–3 weeks, depending on warmth and light.

• In winter: barely water at all (once every 6–8 weeks or not at all if kept cool).

• Overwatering causes root rot quickly, so always err on the dry side.

🌡️ Temperature & Dormancy

• Prefers warm conditions (20–30°C / 68–86°F) during growth.

• In winter, a cooler rest period (8–12°C / 46–54°F) helps it bloom next season.

• Protect from frost and cold drafts.

🌱 Soil

• Needs a very free-draining cactus mix, ideally:

  • 2 parts cactus compost

  • 1 part perlite or pumice

  • 1 part coarse sand or grit

• Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.

🍽️ Feeding

• Feed with a cactus fertilizer once a month in spring and summer.

• Stop feeding in autumn and winter when it’s dormant.

🌸 Flowering

• Produces large, fragrant white flowers (often bigger than the plant itself!).

• Flowers appear in spring or early summer, typically at night and last 1–2 days.

• A proper cool, dry winter rest encourages better blooming.

🪴 Repotting

• Repot every 2–3 years in spring, just before growth starts.

• Choose a pot only slightly larger than the root ball.

⚠️ Common Issues

• Soft, discoloured base → overwatering or root rot.

• Shriveled body → underwatering (occasional minor wrinkling is normal).

• No blooms → not enough light or skipped winter rest.