Kingcup Cactus (Echinocereus)

This form of Echinocereus triglochindiatus (Kingcup Cactus) was discovered by Steve Brack, in the Sandia Mountains of Sandoval County, New Mexico. Steve Brack is well known in the plant community as a plant explorer of succulent ecosystem from New Mexico to South Africa. Steve and his wife owned Mesa Garden, one of the most respected seed nurseries in the industry, which they opened in 1976 and ran for 41 years. Kingcup Cacti flower during the day, with flowers re-opening each morning for 2-3 days. Cold hardy and heat tolerant, this native cactus is well adapted to the wind range of climactic conditions found in the mountains of New Mexico. It can be found growing in rocky crevices, shrublands, conifer woodlands of the American Southwest. It clones from offshoots of the parent stem and from fallen fragments. Plant it in lean, low-fertility soil with good drainage in a full-sun location. Once established, it’s a low-maintenance addition to a xeric garden.