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Echinopsis chamaecereus
"Peanut Cactus"
This plant is most often sold as Chamaecereus silvestrii and is native to Argentina. Now that Chamaecereus has been merged into Echinopsis it's name has changed. Echinopsis chamaecereus produces thin sprawling stems about an inch around and makes a great subject for a hanging planter. It is often called "Peanut Cactus" for the peanut shaped offsets that grow profusely from the stems. These offsets root readily and are the best means of propagation. Large red or orange flowers are produced in late spring.
I had one of these hanging in my tree out front since last spring but never saw flowers. Perhaps it needed more light. Then I made the mistake of letting out there through part of winter and it got pretty hurt. I brought it in the greenhouse for the rest of the winter and it hung on. Hopefully it will come back big time in spring. I would love to see it flower.
Update May 8th. No only do I have flowers, but theyre weird! It turn out it's a hybrid called "Unikum". they seem to be randomly patterened in yellow and red.
A flower
in May |
A few more
in June |
A closer
view |
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