Pincushion cacti are found in many warm regions of the United States.  However, the largest amount of variations in pincushion cacti are found in Mexico.  These beautiful cacti get their name from their reddish-brown pin cushion-like spikes that cover them.  Their vibrant flowers are a bright magenta and produce red-pepper-like fruit that is edible.  The flowers are sometimes compared to funnels or trumpets because of their shape. The flowers grow in a crown shape around the top of the cactus and will open and close with the rising and setting sun.  Their flowers usually look the largest in size from noon to 4 pm.

This type of cacti is incredibly easy to grow and perfect for a beginner gardener.  You don’t even have to water them during the winter months since they go dormant.  Pincushion cacti prefer low humidity but love the full sunlight.  Western facing windows are perfect for this type of cactus if you’re hoping to see constant blooms.

Tips:  it’s important to dry the soil out between waterings, this type of cactus loves temperatures above 70 degrees, they are not very cold tolerant so will need to be brought indoors in the winter if you live in an area that has frost or freezing temperatures.  They do excellent in unglazed clay pots. Only water this type of cactus every few weeks and always wear gloves to protect the skin.  A wonderful zero waste organic fertilizer to encourage blooms is EarthPods Cactus & Succulent Plant Food.

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