Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus rigidissimus ssp. rubispinus) (Taylor): An extraordinary globose cactus with bright pink spines that turn yellow as they age. It is usually solitary with stems growing to 10.0" tall and 2.5" wide. They have 15-26 ribs and the spines lie flat against the stem. It produces pink, funnelform flowers and is native to the southwestern US and northwestern Mexico.
This cactus variety will not survive a hard frost, but if there is a risk of freezing temperatures it can be brought indoors to grow on a sunny window sill or under a grow light. Cactus need bright sunlight, great drainage, and infrequent water to prevent rot. Pick containers with drainage holes and use with 70% to 80% mineral grit such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite. Water deeply and wait for the soil to completely dry out before watering again.
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