Echinopsis ​'Apricot Glow'
Synonyms: Trichocereus sp. x Echinopsis sp. ’Apricot Glow’
Family: Cactaceae​
​Common Name: apricot glow, Echinopsis hybrid ‘Apricot Glow’
Origin: Echinopsis ‘Apricot Glow’ is a nursery produced cultivar created by Mark Dimmitt. It is a hybrid between the Trichocereus and Echinopsis genera, and therefore the parent plants likely originated from Argentina. 
Description: As a Trichocereus hybrid, Apricot glow develops the columnar form of hedgehog cacti, reaching about 3-4 feet in height. The ridges are covered in numerous white to brown spines, each originating from a white areole. Notably floriferous, Apricot glow will bloom in late spring or early summer, developing stunning flowers with multiple shades of orange and yellow. Blooms will persist for two days, opening nocturnally or in the early morning, and closing during the day. The torch-shaped flowers are 4-5 inches in diameter, with green throats and filaments, pastel anthers, and white stigma. The inner petals transition from yellow to a burnt apricot-orange, while the outer petals are darker, reaching almost orange-red in shade, with reddish-purple midstripes. 
  • Interesting Features:
    • If the correct care is maintained, Apricot glow will flower often and grow quickly, increasing 10cm or more per year.
    • Although Apricot glow is considered a hybrid between Trichocereus and Echinopsis, the Trichocereus genus has recently been grouped under Echinopsis, which is now the accepted genus for all torch cacti. Despite this, Trichocereus species possess a more columnar form than the globular Echinopsis, therefore Apricot glow is still considered by many to be a Trichocereus hybrid.
  • Uses: No ethnobotanical or medicinal uses are known for this hybrid – however, it is very popular in cultivation, and is considered to possess one of the most beautiful blooms of the Trichocereus hybrids.

Cultivation and Care:
  • Watering: Moderate
    • Apricot glow should be watered more frequently than most cacti, and will reduce flowering under dry conditions. Irrigate thoroughly and allow to fully dry before watering again.
  • Soil: Provide a fertile, well-draining soil mix with a pH of 6.1 to 7.8. Additionally, fertilize monthly during the growing season for the best results.
  • Lighting: Light shade is necessary to prevent sunburn, but cacti can be acclimatized to full sunlight over time.
    • However, bring indoors during the hotter summer months, where some direct sun should be provided. 
  • Propagation: While some Echinopsis hybrids produce fruit, Apricot glow has only been successfully propagated through cuttings. Allow the surface to fully callous over before planting.
  • Cold Tolerance: 25°F, USDA hardiness zones 9b to 10b.
  • Special Accommodations: In addition to monthly fertilization and ample watering, flowering can further be increased by “deadheading” – decapitating dying blooms at the base to encourage new growth.
    • At the same time, Apricot glow should be kept dormant in winter to prevent etiolation. Reduce watering and bring to a cold, well-lit location.
    • Finally, if Trichocereus hybrids are grown outside, they must be protected from insect pests and predation by javelinas, squirrels, and deer.

Sources:​
  1. Llifle Encyclopedia of Cacti
  2. Dave’s Garden​
  3. Cactus Art Nursery
  4. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  5. Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society
  6. Matt's Landscape