Well, let me tell ya about this here cactus, the echinocereus rigidissimus subsp. rubispinus. Now, that’s a mouthful, ain’t it? We just call it the rainbow cactus, makes more sense if ya ask me.
This thing, it ain’t like those tall saguaros you see in the movies. Nope, this one’s kinda short and fat, like a little barrel. Got all these pretty colors, though. Pink, gray, yellow, brown, even white. All them spines, packed tight together, makes it look like a rainbow. Just like the name says!
- Spines: Mostly pink, like raspberries, but you get all sorts of shades in there. They’re real stiff and pokey, so don’t go grabbin’ it with your bare hands.
- Flowers: When it gets older, it’ll bloom with big, pink flowers. Right on top, like a crown. Makes the whole thing look even fancier.
This little fella, it’s from Mexico. Likes it hot and dry. Probably why it does so well in my yard, ain’t much rain around here. Now, you might think it’s easy to grow, what with it bein’ a cactus and all. But it ain’t always that simple.
You gotta give it the right kinda dirt, somethin’ that drains real good. Don’t want it sittin’ in water, that’ll rot the roots right quick. And it needs plenty of sun, can’t grow in the shade. Just like most things, I reckon.
Waterin’ this thing, you gotta be careful. Don’t water it too much, especially in the winter. Just a little bit now and then, let the soil dry out completely between waterings. That’s the key.
If you’re lucky, you might see it make little babies. They pop up around the base, like little sprouts. You can break ’em off and plant ’em, if you want more of these rainbow cactuses. Just gotta be gentle, and let ’em dry out a bit before you stick ’em in the dirt.
Now, I ain’t no expert, mind you. Just tellin’ ya what I know from growin’ ’em myself. But they’re real pretty, and they don’t need much fussin’ over. Long as you give ’em the sun and don’t overwater ’em, they’ll do just fine.
So, if you’re lookin’ for somethin’ a little different for your yard, or maybe just a pretty plant for your windowsill, this here rainbow cactus might be just the thing. It’s sure got a lot more color than them plain green ones, that’s for sure.
It ain’t just the flowers that are pretty, though. The spines, they’re somethin’ special too. All them colors, packed so close together, it’s like a work of art. Nature sure does make some amazing things, don’t she?
So there you have it. My two cents on the echinocereus rigidissimus subsp. rubispinus, or the rainbow cactus, as I like to call it. A pretty little thing that don’t ask for much, but gives a lot in return. Just the way I like it.
Tags: Rainbow Cactus, Echinocereus, Rubispinus, Cactus, Succulent, Mexican Cactus, Pink Spines, Cactus Flowers
