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Plant Profiles / Rainbow hedgehog cactus
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Rainbow hedgehog cactus
Echinocereus rigidissimus subsp. rubispinus · Purple rainbow cactus
A small, columnar cactus banded in vivid pink, purple and white spines, with huge magenta flowers in spring.
Full sunLight
Every 3 weeksWater
ModerateCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Full sun for best spine colour.
Water
Every 3 weeks
DryWet
Water sparingly; keep dry in winter.
Humidity
Low
LowHigh
Dry air.
Temperature
0–40°C (32–104°F)
CoolWarm
Hardy to light frost when dry.
Growth
Slow, columnar
SlowFast
Grows 10–20 cm.
Soil
Mineral cactus mix
LeanRich
Very gritty mix.
Fertiliser
Twice a year
RarelyOften
Diluted cactus fertiliser.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Non-toxic.
About this plant
Native to northern Mexico, the rainbow hedgehog's spine colours change with the seasons, creating bands. It needs strong sun and a very dry winter.
Best spots
Sunny windowsills, cactus bowls and sunny balconies.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Echinocereus rigidissimus subsp. rubispinus |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Origin | Northern Mexico |
| Plant type | Columnar cactus |
| Mature size | 10–20 cm |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Spines | Pink, purple and white bands |
| Flowers | Large magenta |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
| Propagation | Seed |
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
| Dull spines | Not enough sun. |
| Soft base | Overwatering. |
| No flowers | Needs a cool, dry winter. |
| Mealybugs | Treat with alcohol. |
| Stretching | Low light. |
Common questions
Why the rainbow bands?
Spine colour changes with seasons.
Is it fussy?
It hates wet soil.
Is it pet safe?
Yes.
When does it flower?
Spring.
