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Echinocactus grusonii cv. Krauskopf
(Syn: Echinocactus grusonii  var. curvispinus )
CACTUS ART
NURSERY

Cultivation and Mail Sale
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Echinocactus grusonii cv. KRAUSKOPF ("curvispinus")
A mutant  form with very beautiful curved  spines
 

Description: This plant differs from the common Golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) only for the odd spination. Spines are yellowish-white, sparse, flattish, curved to almost crinkled backward and very irregular, 2 to 6 cm long. Except for the spines it is identical in shape and size to the standard species.  It has a single slowly growing globe-shaped stem that became elongated (barrel-shaped) in maturity, up to 90cm  in height and spread. This stem is pale green and heavily ribbed with numerous areoles sprouting radial, yellow spines. They normally offset with advanced age and a few multiples occur even at small sizes.
The flowers are produced from end of spring to summer only on larger mature specimens receiving enough full sun. Flower are diurnal,  vivid yellow (4-5 cm wide) and form a circular ring at the top of the plant, but are not very visible being small in relation with the size of the barrel, and lost into the creamy coloured wool at the plant apex.
 


Cultivation:
They are
a summer-growing and pretty easy plants to cultivate. They are suited for any rich, well drained soil  such us clay, pumice, lava grit, and only a little peat or leaf-mould. If potted, repot preferably in the spring, if their roots become cramped.  Generally, they should be repotted every other year in order to provide fresh soil. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they'll need larger containers. Fill about a quarter of the pot with broken crocks, gravel, etc. to promote good drainage. After repotting, do not water for a week or more. Water regularly during the aestival growth cycle (this plant need plenty of water, but do not overwater and let their soil dry out between waterings), and also needs to be avoided wetting the body of this plant while it is in sunlight. A wet cactus in the sun light can cause sun burning which can lead to scares or even fungal infections and death, keep rather dry in winter. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer.
Exposure: Outside they need a bright exposure, full sun or half shade in summer if the location is exceedingly hot or bright, inside needs bright light, and some direct sun. It can tolerate moderate shade, and a plant that has been growing in shade should be slowly hardened off before placing it in full sun as the plant will be severely scorched if moved too suddenly from shade into sun.
Frost Tolerance: Light frost protection required for safe cultivation, but can tolerate sporadic light frost.
Diseases and pests: Watch for infestations of mealybug, scale insects and spider mite. Plant in good conditions will start to  bloom when reach the diameter of 40-50 cm.

Propagation: Cuttings or grafting.
 


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Family: Cactaceae (Cactus Family)

Scientific Name: Echinocactus grusonii forma curvispina

Origin Garden origin (Nursery produced cultivar)

Conservation status: Listed in CITES appendix 2.

Synonyms:

  • Echinocactus grusonii cv. Krauskopf
  • Echinocacts grusonii var. intertextus
  • Echinocactus grusonii var. curvispinus
  • Echinocactus grusonii  "tortulispinus"
  • Echinocactus grusonii  "tortulispina"
 


Landscape value: E. grusonii is a wonderful popular plant for adding texture, colour and shape to landscapes, it gives a huge dose of impact. The striking round shape and the dramatic golden bright-yellow spines that absolutely light up in daylight, especially when backlit are unique. It is an eye catcher without equal. Unlike many plants, the "golden barrels" get more and more beautiful as they grow. As old specimens they can be truly majestic. They are best planted close together among large rocks or boulders.

Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of Echinocactus grusonii:

Photo gallery: Alphabetical listing of Cactus and Succulent pictures published in this site.

Photo gallery ECHINOCACTUS

Home | E-mail | Plant files | Mail Sale Catalogue | Links | Information | Search

All the information and photos in cactus art file are now available also in the new the Enciclopedia of Cacti. We hope you find this new site informative and useful.