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Plant Profiles / Peanut cactus
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Peanut cactus
Echinopsis chamaecereus (formerly Chamaecereus silvestrii) · Peanut cactus
A low, clumping cactus with finger-sized stems like peanuts and masses of brilliant orange-red flowers in spring.
Full sunLight
Every 2 weeksWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Bright light with direct sun.
Water
Every 2 weeks
DryWet
Water when dry; keep dry in winter.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry air.
Temperature
-3–35°C (27–95°F)
CoolWarm
Tolerates light frost when dry.
Growth
Moderate, clumping
SlowFast
Grows 10–15 cm, spreads wide.
Soil
Cactus mix
LeanRich
Free-draining.
Fertiliser
Spring–summer
RarelyOften
Diluted cactus fertiliser.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic.
About this plant
Native to Argentina, the peanut cactus spreads into a mat and flowers generously, even when small. Stems detach and root easily.
Best spots
Sunny windowsills, shallow pots, hanging baskets and rockeries.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Echinopsis chamaecereus (formerly Chamaecereus silvestrii) |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Origin | Argentina |
| Plant type | Clumping cactus |
| Mature size | 15 cm × 30 cm+ |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Spines | Soft, white |
| Flowers | Orange-red |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Propagation | Stem pieces |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Active growth
Keep dry
FloweringActive growthKeep dry
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| No flowers | Needs a cool, dry winter. |
| Red stems | Sun stress; normal in strong sun. |
| Rot | Overwatering. |
| Spider mites | Hose stems. |
| Floppy stems | Low light. |
Common questions
Does it flower easily?
Yes, with a cool, dry winter.
Can I propagate it?
Yes, stems root easily.
Is it pet safe?
Yes.
Can it hang?
Yes.
