Bright green stems and even brighter magenta coloured flowers make Echinocereus viereckii ssp. morricalii a sought after addition to the collection.
The stems are a bright green, almost spineless and branch or form clusters from the base. Stem colour will vary depending on exposure to sun.
The flowers are funnel shaped and large to around 4 inches across on larger specimens. Flowering time is in spring.
Over time it will form a clump of stems as it branches at soil level the stems tend to shrink back in the dry winter months.
In winter which should be dry, the plant will shrink in size and may seem to look floppy, this is natural as it uses the store of water in the stems it what would be dry winters.
Care
This is a fairly easy species to grow given a few basic conditions.
- Full sun to a little light afternoon shade. The amount of sun depends on the climate.
- Dry conditions in winter are important to help prevent rot.
- Cool winter temperatures are required to promote flower buds
- A free draining growing medium to prevent root rot.
- Water from spring through summer allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
Propagation
Usually propagation is from seed also possible from cuttings/division.
Where is Echinocereus viereckii ssp. morricalii from?
Like many succulent varieties this one is from Mexico, in particular the region around the states of Nuevo Leon and Tampaulipas which are in the north east of Mexico near Monterrey.