Echinopsis Spellbound Schick hybrid

Flowers deep orange with distinctive orange midrib to 51/2 inches(14cm)across

Echinopsis Hybrids an Introduction.These plants are the result of more than 20 years of dedicated work by cacti enthusiast and hybridiser Bob Schick who in conjunction with the Huntington Botanic Gardens in California has produced a range of hybrids possessing flowers that to many cacti enthusiasts are quite simply unrivalled for their beauty and splendour.The size of these flowers is quite exceptional starting at over 3 inches and going up to 6 inches diameter depending on type with many then continuing to flower up to three times in a season.Often the older a cactus becomes the more blooms it will produce sometimes completely covering the plant !!.Flowering Season.This will vary slightly from year to year and depends on location and prevailing weather conditions but generally speaking begins for most hybrids in May with many flowering in August or even into September.Every time one of my hybrids flowers it is to me an event not to be missed and because of the dramatic nature of the flowers due to their intense colours and sheer size to walk pass and not notice them is very unlikely !! No impossible !!.Many have a lovely scent that will fill your greenhouse and even home if you do as I do and bring them indoors as the flower buds start to open.This is normally early evening at around say 7pm.The buds will have been swelling for several days beforehand leaving you with no doubt as to their intentions ! .I usually place mine indoors in a prominent position and watch them open as the evening progresses.By around 11pm they should present a splendid sight and this is even more so when on coming downstairs the following morning the scent of the flowers often fills the house and the flowers themselves have fully opened reaching their maximum size.You may also find as I have that the colour of the flowers has become even more intense overnight.Cultural Notes.These cacti are generally robust and strong growers given the right care and attention.Their requirements are exactly the same as for most other cacti.A nice sunny(but not excessively hot)position during the growing period followed by a dry winter rest in a cool frost free location.Light shading should be provided if the location is exceedingly hot or bright.Water should be given when necessary during the growing season and I use Chempak No8 fertiliser at half strength with every other watering during this time.As a rule re-potting is advisable every two years(using a gritty and free draining compost) and also whenever the plant has out grown its container.These are general guidelines and most people will experiment to see what works best according to their own situation

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