Botanical Name: Echinocereus rigidissimus var. rubrispinus
Common Name: Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus, Red-Spined Hedgehog Cactus
Echinocereus rigidissimus var. rubrispinus is a striking, columnar cactus native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is prized for its dense, neatly arranged red-to-pink spines that form colorful horizontal bands around the stem. This slow-growing species maintains a tidy, upright form and is highly sought after by collectors. Mature plants typically reach 8–12 inches tall.
Care and Cultivation:
Prefers full sun to very bright light
Water sparingly; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
Use a fast-draining cactus soil mix
Ideal for containers and well-drained outdoor gardens
Frost Tolerance and Cold Hardiness:
Best suited for USDA Zones 9–11
Can tolerate brief cold down to about 10°F (-12°C) when dry
Protect from prolonged freezing and winter moisture
Winter Dormancy and Health:
Requires a cool, dry winter rest
Withhold water during winter dormancy
Proper dormancy encourages flowering
Notes:
Produces large, showy pink flowers in spring or early summer
Handle carefully; spines are fine but dense
Botanical Name: Echinocereus rigidissimus var. rubrispinus
Common Name: Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus, Red-Spined Hedgehog Cactus
Echinocereus rigidissimus var. rubrispinus is a striking, columnar cactus native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is prized for its dense, neatly arranged red-to-pink spines that form colorful horizontal bands around the stem. This slow-growing species maintains a tidy, upright form and is highly sought after by collectors. Mature plants typically reach 8–12 inches tall.
Care and Cultivation:
Prefers full sun to very bright light
Water sparingly; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
Use a fast-draining cactus soil mix
Ideal for containers and well-drained outdoor gardens
Frost Tolerance and Cold Hardiness:
Best suited for USDA Zones 9–11
Can tolerate brief cold down to about 10°F (-12°C) when dry
Protect from prolonged freezing and winter moisture
Winter Dormancy and Health:
Requires a cool, dry winter rest
Withhold water during winter dormancy
Proper dormancy encourages flowering
Notes:
Produces large, showy pink flowers in spring or early summer
Handle carefully; spines are fine but dense
