{"product_id":"echinocereus-pacificus-ssp-pacificus-baja-california-claret-cup-mexican-collector-cactus","title":"Echinocereus pacificus ssp. pacificus | Baja California Claret Cup | Mexican Collector Cactus","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus pacificus ssp. pacificus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a striking clump-forming cactus native to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enorthwestern Baja California, Mexico\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, distinguished by dense reddish-gray spination and brilliant red to orange-red flowers. Mature plants can develop substantial colonies composed of numerous upright cylindrical stems, creating dense, heavily armed mounds that become especially impressive when several flowers open simultaneously.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndividual stems typically reach approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e15–25 cm (6–10 inches) tall and 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches) in diameter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with around 10–12 ribs. The grayish spines are commonly flushed reddish or brown when young, with approximately 10–12 radial spines and several stronger central spines. Its combination of compact clustering growth, formidable spination, and intensely colored flowers makes ssp. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003epacificus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e a particularly attractive member of the claret-cup group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus pacificus ssp. pacificus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is native to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enorthwestern Baja California, Mexico\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The historical type locality is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRío San Carlos\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, where the original material was collected on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJanuary 25, 1883\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Populations occur in the Mediterranean-influenced northern portion of the Baja California Peninsula, occupying \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003erocky slopes, granitic terrain, open xerophytic scrub, and transitions into chaparral and higher-elevation vegetation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe habitat can support an especially interesting mixture of Baja California succulents and xerophytes. Plants documented in the broader habitat of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eE. pacificus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e include \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDudleya pulverulenta, Ferocactus viridescens, Opuntia phaeacantha, Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa, Nolina\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e species, and other drought-adapted plants associated with rocky slopes and open scrub. Higher portions of its range transition toward vegetation containing \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYucca, Agave,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and additional succulent and xerophytic species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis region differs significantly from the hot low-desert environments associated with many Mexican cacti. Winter rainfall, cooler seasonal temperatures, rocky granitic soils, and strong summer dryness all contribute to the ecology of the northern Baja California populations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowering Information:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature plants produce comparatively short, stout flowers in shades of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003edeep red, scarlet, or bright orange-red\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, generally approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3 cm (1.2 inches) long\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in the nominate subspecies. Flowers emerge from the sides of mature stems and contrast dramatically with the dense reddish-gray spination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowering is concentrated primarily in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003espring\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, particularly following a cool, relatively dry winter rest. The flower tube and ovary are armed with small areoles bearing wool and slender spines, a characteristic feature of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrow in an exceptionally well-drained mineral substrate consisting of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epumice, decomposed granite, coarse grit, gravel, and a modest amount of organic material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause natural populations are strongly associated with rocky and frequently granitic terrain, excellent drainage and root aeration are more important than rich soil. Water thoroughly during active growth, but allow the substrate to dry well between waterings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReduce water sharply during cool winter weather. This species is considerably more vulnerable to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecold combined with persistent moisture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e than it is to cold alone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest suited to approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUSDA Zones 9–11\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Baja California forms are generally considered less frost-resistant than some continental members of the broader \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus polyacanthus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e complex, with approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e23°F (-5°C)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e representing a reasonable conservative lower limit for established plants kept completely dry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecool, bright, dry winter rest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is beneficial and helps promote strong spring flowering. Avoid prolonged freezes and particularly avoid saturated soil during cold conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebright light to full sun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Strong illumination encourages dense spination, compact stems, and abundant flowering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants raised under greenhouse conditions should be gradually acclimated before moving into intense outdoor sunlight. In areas with extremely hot summer afternoons, some protection during the hottest portion of the day may be beneficial.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePropagation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePropagation is primarily from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eseed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which produces naturally proportioned plants and preserves genetic variation within the subspecies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstablished specimens branch readily from the base and eventually form substantial colonies. Individual offsets from mature clusters can also be separated and rooted, making vegetative propagation possible once plants have reached sufficient size.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollector's Note:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe taxonomic history of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus pacificus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e reflects the long-running debate over the boundaries of the red-flowered \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e species traditionally associated with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003etriglochidiatus–polyacanthus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e group.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeorge Engelmann originally described the Baja California plant in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1886 as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCereus phoeniceus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e var. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epacificus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, based on material associated with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRío San Carlos\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e locality. Nathaniel Lord Britton and Joseph Nelson Rose elevated it to species rank as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus pacificus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in 1922\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLater authors reduced it to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus polyacanthus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e var. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epacificus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eE. polyacanthus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ssp. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epacificus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, or even placed it within \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eE. triglochidiatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This broader \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003epolyacanthus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e interpretation is still followed by some cactus references.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKew's Plants of the World Online currently accepts \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus pacificus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as a distinct species and recognizes two subspecies: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus pacificus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ssp. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epacificus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocereus pacificus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ssp. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emombergerianus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eThis is for one plant similar to the one shown growing in a 4\" inch container shipped bare root. All of our plants are guaranteed pest-free and healthy upon delivery, and we ship within the United States. Shipping is done Monday thru Friday.\u003cbr\u003eAny questions please ask.\u003cbr\u003e#prsucculents\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Phoenix Rising Succulents","offers":[{"title":"4 Inch","offer_id":47336771453097,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/7391\/0096\/files\/20260720_174223.jpg?v=1786310292","url":"https:\/\/prsucculents.com\/products\/echinocereus-pacificus-ssp-pacificus-baja-california-claret-cup-mexican-collector-cactus","provider":"Phoenix Rising Succulents","version":"1.0","type":"link"}