‎Easter lily cactus - Echinopsis oxygona (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

‎Easter lily cactus

Also known as: Pink Easter lily cactus, Red Easter lily cactus

‎Easter lily cactus (Echinopsis oxygona) is an evergreen, cylinder-shaped cactus that will grow from 30 to 46 cm tall and 61 cm wide. From spring to summer, it blooms with eye-catching blossoms of pink flowers that fade to white in the center. Thrives in full sun and prefers dry to medium, well-drained soil. Pet-friendly, it can be grown in the garden or container to add beauty and interest to landscape or patio.

Scientific classification

Species

‎Easter lily cactus (Echinopsis oxygona)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

10 cm to 15 cm

Plant Height

5 cm to 25 cm

Spread

14 cm

Flower Size

Pink, White

Flower Color

White

Stem Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of ‎Easter lily cactus

Distribution of ‎Easter lily cactus

Distribution Map

‎Easter lily cactus is native to the warm temperate to subtropical areas of South America. It has been introduced and cultivated in parts of Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and sections of South America distinct from its original habitat. In its introduced range, ‎Easter lily cactus is often found in botanical gardens and as a cultivated ornamental plant.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Walls, rocky outcrops

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

‎Easter lily cactus is an attractive and resilient cactus for outdoor planting in suitable climates. It fits in great in sunny positions in succulent, cactus, and rock gardens. In temperate climates with cold winters, it can be grown in a container on a sunny patio and moved to a cool indoor space over winter. When planting, allow for some space for the plant to spread.

Interesting Facts

‎Easter lily cactus is loved for its flowers and a long blooming season, which starts from late spring and continues throughout the summer. As the flowers are sensitive to heat, they first open at night and last until the next afternoon, or longer if the day is cool. This cactus has been hybridized with other Echinopsis species, so there is a great variety of cultivars with differently coloured flowers.

Name Story

Pink easter lily cactus: The lush, trumpet-shaped elongated flower of Echinopsis oxygona are pink in colour, and the blooming season starts in late spring, which is Easter time - hence the common name. The spines characteristic of the entire genus are described by its Latin name - 'echinus' means 'hedgehog' or 'sea urchin', which another popular common name for this cactus - 'hedgehog cactus' or 'sea-urchin cactus.'

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify ‎Easter lily cactus

Rounded form with 11-18 prominent ribs and stout spines.

Large, showy flowers in white to pink on woolly stems.

Night-blooming flowers up to 4 inches (10 cm) across.

Globular, succulent fruit 0.6-1.2 inches (1.5-3 cm) in diameter.

Straight, slender spines up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for ‎Easter lily cactus

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: ‎Easter lily cactus is well-suited for arid environments, demonstrating excellent drought tolerance. It requires watering every three weeks, allowing the soil to dry thoroughly. Commonly found in rock gardens, ‎Easter lily cactus efficiently stores water, making it ideal for regions with irregular rainfall.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, ‎Easter lily cactus should be fertilized with a balanced blend for succulents and cacti at quarter strength every 4 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall). Withhold fertilizer in winter to aid dormancy and adapt practices as ‎Easter lily cactus matures or climates change.

Pruning: ‎Easter lily cactus requires minimal pruning. Focus on removing withered flowers and branches to ensure the plant allocates nutrients for healthy growth.

Propagation: ‎Easter lily cactus is best propagated through division for genetic consistency. Carefully separate offsets with roots, allow cut surfaces to callous, then plant in well-draining soil. Maintain stable conditions and water consistently, avoiding over-saturation, to promote healthy growth of the new plants.

Repotting: Repot ‎Easter lily cactus every 2-3 years, preferably in late winter, using a pot one size larger to support growth. It requires well-draining soil and limited watering post-repotting to recover and thrive.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free