Easter Lily Cactus (Echinopsis oxygona)

Easter Lily Cactus

Echinopsis oxygona

Its night-blooming white flowers unfurl like celestial trumpets. Succulent cactus; common name: Easter Lily Cactus.

Full sun
1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial sun; tolerate bright indirect light for indoor cultivation; avoid prolonged shade
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Watering Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid standing water to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to 5°C; protect from frost in winter; thrive in warm daytime temperatures
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Modified into sharp, yellowish radial spines (8–10 per areole) with 1–2 central spines
  • Flower: Large, fragrant white trumpet-shaped blooms up to 20 cm long, opening exclusively at night
  • Stem: Bright green, ribbed (10–15 prominent ribs per stem), forming dense clusters over time
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Care Guide

Watering

Water thoroughly when top 5–7 cm of soil is dry

Fertilization

Diluted cactus fertilizer once monthly. Cease fertilization in autumn and winter during dormancy

Eggshell powder topdressing:Crush dried, thoroughly rinsed eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to add calcium without altering soil pH
Pruning
  • Remove dead, discolored, or damaged offsets to maintain cluster appearance
  • Trim overcrowded offsets to improve airflow and reduce competition for resources
  • Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to new growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirms no toxicity to cats; safe for feline exposure

Humans: No toxic effects reported for human ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Night-blooming blooms symbolize fleeting beauty and quiet resilience

Usage: Ornamental succulent for rock gardens, container displays, and indoor succulent collections