Echinocereus rigidissimus v. rubrispinus

Echinocereus rigidissimus v. rubrispinus. (Cactaceae) Native to Mexico. Ruby Rainbow, Rainbow cactus. It distinguishes for the very short dusty red-purple spines (not pink and white) and dull purple-red (not green) stigma lobes. It is also up to 50% smaller in all its parts. Its blossoms are bright magenta red and are large and showy in comparison with the small size of the stem. Sowing : Fill a pot with a moist, gritty, loam-based compost, or cacti compost. Gently firm down and level the surface. Scatter your mixed cactus seeds over the surface, taking care not to sow them too thickly. Gently sprinkle a thin layer of vermiculite or fine grit over the seeds, covering the whole surface of the compost. Leave the pot in a greenhouse or on a warm windowsill, covered with a clear plastic bag to preserve soil moisture. Seedlings will develop within a few weeks. Remove the plastic bag and water when the compost becomes dry, but spray the surface with water regularly, to keep it moist. Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: January 2023