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Argentine Cactus

Echinopsis huascha

true

1 gallon; 3 gallon

Argentine Cactus

In stock

3'x3'

Sizes:

Argentine Cactus - Echinopsis spp.
Also known as Red Torch)

Argentine Cactus is a striking clumping columnar cactus native to Argentina. It grows to about 3 feet tall and wide, producing brilliant red to red-orange flowers at the tips of its stems from spring through summer. These vibrant flowers attract hummingbirds and generalist pollinators, providing a splash of color in arid and desert-inspired gardens.

This cactus thrives in well-draining soil and prefers infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry out completely between irrigations. It is well-suited for containers, rock gardens, or xeric landscapes that mimic desert conditions. Its compact size and dramatic blooms make it a popular choice for adding vertical interest and seasonal color.

Though not native to the Sonoran or Mojave Deserts, Argentine Cactus is a valuable ornamental plant. Because it originates outside the local ecoregion, it may attract fewer specialist native pollinators but still supports hummingbirds and a variety of generalist insects.

Wildlife Value
Argentine Cactus provides important nectar for hummingbirds and pollinators during its blooming season.

Nectar Source: Attracts hummingbirds such as Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna), a generalist found in gardens and urban areas; Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae), a desert specialist that depends on native desert plants; Archilochus alexandri (Black-chinned Hummingbird) and Selasphorus rufus (Rufous Hummingbird).
Supports native generalist bees and moths that visit the flowers for nectar.

Bird Resources: Dense cactus clumps offer shelter and nesting sites for small desert birds.

Bird Species: Hummingbirds and small desert songbirds such as Spinus psaltria (Lesser Goldfinch) are common visitors.

Plant Care

Native region:

Desert Adapted

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun

Mature size:

3'x3'

Growth rate:

Slow

Flower color:

Red

Flower season:

Spring

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

25 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Bats:

Birds:

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.