James H. Schutte
Family
Cactaceae
Botanical Name
ECHINOPSIS candicans
Plant Common Name
Argentine Giant
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
This fine clumping cactus for landscaping is equally suited to container cultivation indoors or out. It is native to northern Argentina where plants are widely adaptable to a wide range of exposures. The plant is composed of many stems that originate at the base of the plant which can grow to a very large crown at maturity. These may stand upright or lie procumbent with slightly upturned tips. Each stem, about the diameter of a baseball bat is dark green, averaging 9 to 11 sharp edged ridges which bear areoles. From these rise from one to many central long central spines surrounded by needle fine 10 to 14 radials, often yellow in color. These may interlace when plants grow in drier locations.
This snow-white nocturnal bloomer is truly stunning in full flower. Night flowering, rich fragrance, funnel formed blooms and the location of the stigmas indicates that bats and moths are vital to pollination. Bats may even feed on the stigmas themselves after lapping up a rich nectar reward. Small fruits follow flowering. Slow growth and a tidy form early in life makes this big bloomer a popular plant indoors and on the patio. It is vital to provide very granular soil to assure rapid drainage. Feed often but lightly during the spring and summer growing season, then provide dry conditions over winter.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
12 - 15
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Sunset Zone
12, 13, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
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Width
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Argentina
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Red
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
