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Also known as
Engelmann's cactus
Taxonomy
Echinocereus engelmannii
Echinocereus
Cactaceae
Caryophyllales

How to care for Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus

How often to water your Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus

every 12
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
12

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus in your home

a window
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus thrives in dry soil and should be watered sparingly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Humidity
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.
Soil
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus is very sensitive to wet soil, so choose a potting soil that drains very well and doesn’t retain too much moisture. A good soil will have lots of perlite or vermiculite for drainage and some organic matter for nutrition. A few handfuls of perlite added to regular store-bought cactus soil will do the trick!
Fertilizer
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Native Region
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus is native to Southeastern United States and Mexico.
Growth Pattern
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
Care Summary for Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus
Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 12 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
