Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 11:45 am
Echinopsis chamaecereus, commonly known as the peanut cactus, is one of the most popular cacti in cultivation today. These cacti are easy to care for, and they will quickly become one of your favorite houseplants if you decide to keep one!
Peanut cactus, also known as Echinopsis chamaecereus (or other variations of this plant’s scientific name), is a succulent plant native to Bolivia and Argentina. This particular species of cactus can be found in the Andes Mountains growing on rocky cliffs and hillsides at high altitudes with harsh conditions and little sunlight.
The peanut cactus, Echinopsis chamaecereus, gets its name from its unusually shaped stem with many ridges that resemble the look of an actual peanut.
Cacti are known to be among the most resilient of plants, able to survive droughts and other environmental hardships with little care from their owners.
Echinopsis chamaecereus continues that resilient tradition, requiring little effort to grow and thrive indoors or out in warm, dry climates. While the plant has similarities to other cacti, its appearance is unique and stunning, making it an excellent addition to any collection of succulents or houseplants.
Here’s what you need to know about caring for this easy-to-grow cactus.
Origin and distribution
Echinopsis chamaecereus, is a species of cactus indigenous to northern Argentina and Bolivia. It is also found in Venezuela and Peru. The species name, chamaecereus means ground or nest-like in reference to how it grows among rocks on hillsides and mountainsides. Peanut cacti are small, solitary plants that rarely exceed one foot in height.
They have wide tubercles and prominent spines on the stems, which can be from green to brownish-green with age. Flowers are small and white or pinkish, with an unpleasant odor that attracts insects such as pollinators carpenter bees, and wasps who feed off the nectar secreted by the flower’s petals.
These flowers bloom at night during the summer months. Fruits are round when ripe, red to dark purple in color.
These fruits may turn yellow if left on the plant for some time. Unlike other members of this genus, Echinopsis chamaecereus does not produce large numbers of fruits per plant because it does not form offsets; therefore, there is no need for reproduction by seed unless propagated artificially.
Echinopsis chamaecereus propagation
Peanut cacti can be propagated via seed, leaf cuttings, and offsets. Leaf cuttings are by far my favorite method. Unlike many cacti, peanut cacti have leaves that come in pairs and are capable of producing roots on their own if you place them in a sandy medium with lots of exposure to light.
Remove the top layer of soil from the pot and replace it with sand or perlite before inserting the leaves into the soil about an inch deep.
Place under bright sunlight for about a week until you see new growth emerge from the stems at which point, they should be planted outdoors in partial shade to the full sun where they will continue to grow into large plants!
It should be watered every 7-10 days and fertilized monthly during active growth periods. Fertilize less often during the winter months when it’s dormant.
Echinopsis chamaecereus care information
Peanut cacti are easy to care for once you know what they need. It is important to give them good drainage, plenty of sunlight, and even water distribution. If you follow these instructions, your peanut cactus will live a long and happy life.
Light requirement
Peanut cacti can thrive in low light conditions and even full shade but need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Without enough sun, your plant will be spindly and pale. However, even with a healthy amount of sun exposure, these plants can remain thin and fragile-looking, so it’s important to take a few extra steps to ensure they don’t suffer from light stress.
Soil/potting mix
Echinopsis chamaecereus does well in any soil that is well-drained, but will thrive best in a mix that includes one part of composted cow manure to one-part sand or perlite. It’s important to keep Echinopsis chamaecereus pots evenly moist during periods of active growth and let them dry out between waterings.
Watering
The peanut cactus is relatively easy to care for in terms of watering. The most important thing to keep in mind is water when it feels dry to your touch, meaning stick your finger into the soil and if it’s dry, water it.
Water a little at a time; sometimes you may feel that your plant needs water but when you actually check its moisture level, there might be just enough already. You can either water it again or wait until it starts feeling dry again. Make sure not to overwater as this will cause rot, leading to disease and death of the plant.
Fertilizer
In general, cacti and succulents don’t require extra fertilizer. If a specific type of cactus or succulent isn’t growing well or is slow to bloom, you may consider using a water-soluble plant food formulated for use on succulents. You can use a granular slow-release fertilizer according to package directions in early spring before new growth begins.
Temperature
Peanut cacti prefer warm climates; daytime temperatures are between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and night temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees. If you are unable to provide these conditions year-round, you can induce dormancy by placing your plant in a cool spot when nighttime temperatures drop below 50 degrees. In its native habitat in Argentina, it grows alongside other desert plants in sandy, rocky soils.
Humidity
Echinopsis chamaecereus is known to thrive in very arid conditions, but if you want yours to grow, pay attention to its humidity needs. Place your plant near a humidifier or invest in a humidifier specifically for plants. Mist it daily with lukewarm water. The leaves will droop and discolor if it’s too dry. Make sure to get rid of excess water as soon as possible; otherwise, you risk root rot and fungus on your Peanut.
The ideal humidity range is between 40-60%. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, make sure to put your plant near a heater.
Pruning
If you have a Peanut Cactus, you’ll need to prune it a little bit differently than other cacti. After it has flowered and set seed pods, your plant will produce offsets, or pups, along its stem. At that point, you can choose to remove these offshoots or let them grow.
They can be removed by cutting them away with a sharp, sterilized knife or pulling them gently from their base of attachment at the parent plant. It is important not to touch the growing tip on an offset because this might make it become stunted.
Once the peanut cactus starts producing new buds and shoots, leave one shoot on each branch so that it can form into a leafy bud. To help things along, use a diluted concentration of gibberellic acid or water in which potassium nitrate has been dissolved as a foliar spray.
When to repot
Echinopsis chamaecereus are slow-growing plants, but they can eventually outgrow their pots. For most, repotting every two to three years is sufficient. Be careful when repotting your peanut cactus, it’s best to use a pot only one size larger than what you currently have.
Otherwise, you may be encouraging too much top growth and putting stress on its roots. With that said, peanut cacti do not tolerate wet soil. Make sure the new pot has drainage holes in the bottom so excess water can run out.
A little bit of sand or gravel in the bottom of the pot will help with drainage as well. You want to make sure that there are no saucers under your pot because the peaty mixture will get wet, leading to root rot and fungal problems for your plant.
Dormancy/Winter rest
Like other Echinopsis species, Echinopsis chamaecereus is a summer-growing cactus species, which means it blooms in late spring and summer. During dormancy, water only enough to keep soil from getting completely dry—once every few weeks should suffice.
Too much watering during dormancy can cause root rot. Be sure not to let the plant get too cold; temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit will lead to leaf drop. Additionally, do not fertilize the plant until growth resumes in the springtime.
Echinopsis chamaecereus flower & fragrance
Echinopsis chamaecereus has red-orange flowers and a sweet fragrance, which is reminiscent of grape bubblegum. These cacti bloom in late spring to early summer.
Its fragrant flowers attract night-flying moths, so place your Echinopsis chamaecereus near a window or door where you’ll be able to enjoy their sweet scent as they pollinate at night and release their little moth babies in your home!
Growth rate
Echinopsis chamaecereus typically grow at about 1⁄4-inch per year. However, due to individual variation and proper care, growth rates can vary greatly. While smaller plants may be kept for years in small containers, mature peanut cacti should be planted in large pots or tubs with plenty of room to grow.
Regardless of how big you’d like your peanut cactus to become, it’s a good idea to plan on giving it at least a 20-gallon container when planting time comes.
Toxicity
Peanut cacti can cause skin irritation and are considered toxic to both animals and humans if ingested. Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, seizures, and in rare cases even death. Pets should never be allowed to come into contact with these plants.
If you or your pet have been in contact with these plants call your doctor immediately. It is advised that you wear protective gloves when handling these plants and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Never allow children to handle them either! Always avoid contact with your eyes.
USDA hardiness zones
Echinopsis chamaecereus thrives in USDA hardiness zone 9 and 10. They should be planted in well-drained soil and given a lot of sun. It is best to wait until the weather is warm before planting them outside.
These plants are drought tolerant and do not need much water to survive, but they should still be watered regularly for best results. They can grow to be as tall as 6 feet but usually stay between 3-4 feet tall with a similar width.
Pests and diseases
One of the most common pests on Echinopsis chamaecereus is mealybugs, which can appear as light gray lumps about 1/4 inch in diameter and covered with white powdery wax.
Mealybugs suck sap from plant tissues, causing leaves to turn yellow and die back. The plant also may have a sticky residue on its stem or pads, caused by honeydew secreted by feeding mealybugs.
Conclusion
The peanut cactus (echinopsis chamaecereus) is generally regarded as one of the most beautiful and fascinating plants in any collection. It’s not a difficult plant to care for if you remember to: keep them in bright light, give them lots of water while they are actively growing and protect them from temperature extremes.
