RedCrocus Peanut Cactus Live Plant - Echinopsis chamaecereus - Trailing, Drought-Tolerant Succulent for Bright Light, Hanging Pots or Windowsills 6" Hanging Basket

RedCrocus Peanut Cactus Live Plant - Echinopsis chamaecereus - Trailing, Drought-Tolerant Succulent for Bright Light, Hanging Pots or Windowsills 6" Hanging Basket

Regular price $100.00 USD
Regular price $130.00 USD Sale price $100.00 USD
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SKU:berd9e3-redcrocus

Pot Size

Cactus - Peanut

Drought-Tolerant Indoor Friendly Container Ready
A compact, freely clumping cactus with abundant late-spring blooms — ideal for bright windowsills, rock gardens, and hanging baskets.

Description

Known commonly as Peanut Cactus, this petite, clustering species forms many finger-like, segmented stems that trail and mound attractively over time. Native to northwestern Argentina and widely grown as Echinopsis (syn. Chamaecereus) chamaecereus, it produces a profusion of vivid, funnel-shaped blossoms in late spring to early summer when given bright light and a cool, dry winter rest. Stems are softly spined, making it friendlier to handle than many cacti, and its modest size suits windowsills, shallow bowls, and hanging planters. Low water needs, excellent drought tolerance, and dependable flowering make it an easy, rewarding succulent for beginners and collectors alike.

Suggested Uses

  • Sunny windowsills
  • Hanging baskets
  • Rock and xeric gardens
  • Succulent dish gardens
  • Patio containers
  • Pollinator-friendly blooms

Quick Highlights

  • Light requirements icon

    Light

    Full sun to very bright light (4–6+ hrs). Acclimate gradually to direct sun, especially behind glass.

  • Bloom time icon

    Bloom

    Late spring to early summer; spectacular, short-lived flowers, often in waves when well-rested over winter.

  • Container friendly icon

    Habit

    Low, clustering, trailing stems; ideal for shallow pots and hanging planters.

  • Deer resistant icon

    Resilience

    Drought tolerant; generally deer-resistant; handles brief heat when shaded in peak afternoon.

Plant Details

  • Botanical name iconBotanical NameCactus - Peanut
  • Common name iconCommon NameCactus - Peanut (Peanut Cactus)
  • Size and growth iconSize & Growth3–6 in tall (8–15 cm); spreads 12–24 in (30–60 cm) by clumping and trailing; offsets freely.
  • Hardiness zones iconHardiness ZonesUSDA 9b–11 outdoors (to ~25°F/-4°C if very dry). Widely grown as a houseplant in colder zones.
  • Foliage type iconFoliage TypeEvergreen succulent stems; finger-like segments with soft to moderate spines.
  • Bloom time iconBloom TimeLate spring to early summer; repeat flushes possible with excellent light and cool, dry winter rest.
  • Growth rate iconGrowth RateModerate to fast under bright light; rapidly makes attractive clumps.
  • Light requirements iconLight RequirementsFull sun to bright, filtered light; 4–6+ hours daily for best flowering.
  • Attracts pollinators iconAttracts PollinatorsYes — bees and other beneficials are drawn to the vivid flowers.
  • Indoor friendly iconIndoor FriendlyExcellent on bright sills; a cool, bright winter (45–55°F / 7–13°C) promotes buds.
  • Container friendly iconContainer FriendlyThrives in shallow, free-draining pots and hanging baskets; top-dress with gravel.
  • Deer resistant iconDeer ResistantGenerally deer-resistant due to spines and texture.
  • Pet warning iconPet WarningConsidered non-toxic, but spines can injure pets and people. Place out of high-traffic areas.
  • Fragrant iconFragrantNot notably fragrant; flowers prized for color and abundance.
  • Cut flower iconCut FlowerNot typically used as a cut flower; blooms are short-lived on the plant.
  • Grows well with iconGrows Well WithGrows Well With Other sun-loving, arid succulents: Rebutia, Mammillaria, Echinopsis hybrids, Delosperma, hardy Sedum.

Care Tips

  • Planting instructions iconPlanting InstructionsUse a pot with ample drainage (terra-cotta ideal). Set at the same depth; gently firm mix and top with gravel to keep stems dry. Best time to pot or divide is spring after bloom.
  • Soil moisture iconSoil MoistureWater thoroughly, then allow the mix to dry at least 70–100% before watering again. Keep almost dry in winter to encourage flowering.
  • Soil type iconSoil TypeFast-draining cactus mix: ~50–70% mineral (pumice/perlite/coarse sand) + 30–50% well-aerated organic component. Neutral to slightly acidic pH.
  • Humidity iconHumidityPrefers low to average household humidity and good air movement; avoid persistently damp, stagnant conditions.
  • Pruning instructions iconPruning InstructionsRemove spent blooms and shriveled or damaged stems with clean snips. Divide offsets to control spread or to propagate.
  • Winter care iconWinter CareProvide a bright, cool rest (45–55°F / 7–13°C) and keep nearly dry. Protect from hard frost; outdoors, keep bone-dry during cold snaps.
  • Planting depth iconPlanting DepthSet crowns level with the soil surface. Allow cut offsets to callus 3–7 days before placing slightly shallow in dry mix; wait a week to water.
  • Fertilization iconFertilizationLight feeder. Apply a low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) at 1/4 strength monthly from spring to midsummer; none in fall/winter.
  • Special care iconSpecial CareAcclimate gradually to direct sun; rotate pot for even growth. Watch for mealybugs and spider mites; improve airflow if humid. Repot every 2–3 years after flowering.
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