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Peanut Cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus)

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Peanut Cactus

Beginner

Echinopsis chamaecereus

A small cactus of finger-like stems that cluster and trail, opening a succession of vivid orange-red flowers. Hardy and free-flowering, it is an easy favorite.

Growing Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
0〜35℃
Lifespan
Perennial (decades)
Size
Stems 1-2cm thick, up to 15cm long
Humidity
30〜50%
Watering
Minimal

About

The peanut cactus (Echinopsis chamaecereus, formerly Chamaecereus silvestrii) is a small cactus from the mountains of northwestern Argentina (unrelated to the fragrant sandalwood that shares its Japanese name, byakudan). It is distinctive for its many finger-like stems, about 1-2 cm thick and 10-15 cm long, that cluster and trail over the pot rim, clothed in soft white spines. Its chief appeal is prolific flowering: from spring into early summer it covers itself in vivid orange-red trumpet flowers. Very hardy and easy, and propagated simply by cutting and rooting a stem, it has long been a popular beginner cactus. It likes a sunny spot — too little light reduces flowering — and is watered when dry during the growing season and kept dry and dormant in winter. Relatively cold-tolerant, it also suits a hanging pot where its stems can trail.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Basic Info

Origin

Mountains of northwestern Argentina

Lifespan

Perennial (decades)

Size

Stems 1-2cm thick, up to 15cm long

Temperature

0〜35℃

Humidity

30〜50%

Watering & Fertilizer

Minimal

Growing Tips

Lighting

Sunny spot; poor light reduces flowering

Flowers

Many vivid orange-red flowers in spring-early summer

Habit

Finger-like stems cluster and trail; good for hanging pots

Propagation

Easily propagated by cutting and rooting stems

Cold

Fairly cold-tolerant; keep dry in winter

Finger stemsFree-floweringBeginnerClustering

Peanut Cactus FAQ

QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Peanut Cactus?
A

Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.

QWhat is the ideal temperature for Peanut Cactus?
A

The ideal temperature for Peanut Cactus is 0〜35℃. Recommended humidity is 30〜50%. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

QWhat is the lifespan of Peanut Cactus?
A

The average lifespan of Peanut Cactus is Perennial (decades). With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.

QHow large does Peanut Cactus get?
A

The mature size of Peanut Cactus is Stems 1-2cm thick, up to 15cm long. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.

QHow should I water and fertilize Peanut Cactus?
A

Peanut Cactus: watering & fertilizer — Minimal. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.

QWhat is the typical price for Peanut Cactus?
A

The price of Peanut Cactus varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check ボタちょく's price guide for the latest market information.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BoTachoku Editorial Team

The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Echinopsis chamaecereus (Speg.) Friedrich & Rowley

Synonyms: Chamaecereus silvestrii (Speg.) Britton & Rose

Authority databases: Wikipedia

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

CITES 附属書II

サボテン科 Cactaceae は科全体が CITES 附属書II。本属(Echinopsis)に附属書I種はない。流通個体は繁殖由来。

Sources: CITES Checklist — Cactaceae spp. (Appendix II, whole family)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.

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