Easter Lily Cactus Echinopsis 'Lincoln Imp'

Water

For a healthy Echinopsis 'Lincoln Imp', commonly known as Sea Urchin Cactus, water thoroughly until excess water drains through the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Typically, during the active growing season in spring and summer, watering every 7-10 days is appropriate, while in the dormant winter months, reducing watering to once a month is sufficient. Adjust the frequency based on humidity and temperature conditions, ensuring you do not overwater as this can lead to root rot. A general guideline is to use around 8-16 ounces of water for smaller pots every time you water, increasing the amount for larger pots.

Light

Sea Urchin Cactus thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, making it suitable for an east or west-facing window where it can receive several hours of morning or afternoon sun without harsh midday exposure. Direct afternoon sunlight can be intense and may cause sunburn to the cactus, so if only a south-facing spot is available, providing some shade during the hottest part of the day is ideal.

Temperature

The Sea Urchin Cactus prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate a range from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Its ideal growing temperatures are between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that you protect the plant from frost and freezing temperatures, as it cannot survive below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods.

Pruning

Pruning is typically not necessary for the Sea Urchin Cactus unless it is to remove any dead or damaged parts which can be done as needed. If offsets develop and crowd the plant, they can be removed to encourage better growth of the main cactus. The best time for any pruning activity is during the growing season of spring or early summer.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for an Echinopsis 'Lincoln Imp' is a well-draining cactus mix with added perlite or coarse sand to increase aeration. The soil pH should ideally be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 and 7.5.

Repotting

Echinopsis 'Lincoln Imp', commonly known as Sea Urchin Cactus, should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container.

Humidity & Misting

Sea Urchin Cactus thrives in low humidity conditions typical of arid environments; high humidity levels are generally detrimental to its health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light and good air flow for indoor Sea Urchin Cactus.

• Outdoor

  Place in full sun to light shade and protect from heavy rain.

• Hardiness zone

  9-11 USDA

Life cycle

The 'Lincoln Imp' cactus begins its life as a seed, typically germinating in warm and moist conditions, with germination potentially taking several weeks. Once sprouted, the seedling slowly develops into a juvenile plant, demonstrating the characteristic globe shape with ribs and furrows. As it matures, the cactus elongates and may produce offsets or "pups," thereby increasing its size and mass. When the plant reaches maturity, which can take several years, it begins its reproductive phase, producing showy, funnel-shaped flowers that are pollinated by insects, birds, or bats. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit containing seeds, which, when dispersed, have the potential to start the life cycle anew if they land in a suitable environment. Throughout its life, the 'Lincoln Imp' cactus goes through cycles of growth and dormancy, usually corresponding to the seasons, with the active growth period occurring during warmer months and dormancy during the cooler months.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Echinopsis 'Lincoln Imp', commonly known as the 'Lincoln Imp' cactus, propagates most effectively through the use of offsets, which are small cacti that grow at the base of the parent plant. The best time to propagate is during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early summer, when the cactus is actively growing. To propagate, carefully remove the offset from the main plant, ensuring that there are roots attached or wait for it to form its own roots if it's still attached to the parent. Allow the cut end to callus over for a few days to a week to prevent rotting once planted. After the cut has calloused, plant the offset in a well-draining cactus mix, ensuring that the soil stays lightly moist until the offset establishes roots and begins to show new growth, which can take several weeks to a few months.