Argentine Hedgehog
Echinopsis huascha
A clumping Argentine cactus whose night-blooming white flowers create a magical display for nocturnal pollinators.
Hardy to roughly 25°F, USDA 9-11; a low-desert performer needing light frost protection in cold pockets.
AMWUA Notes
Drought tolerant clumping cactus that flowers on minimal summer water.
Care Guide
Water every 2-3 weeks in the warm season and keep dry in winter; excellent drainage is essential to prevent rot.
Remove spent flower stalks and any damaged stems; offsets can be divided to expand the clump.
A light spring feeding with dilute cactus food encourages bloom but is optional.
Watch for mealybugs and scale within the dense clump.
Protect from hard frost below 25°F; the clump blooms heavily in spring after cool nights.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Gritty, fast-draining mineral soil or decomposed granite; low organic matter
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
Low feeder.
Division of offsets or seed
3 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; keep the low clump out of high-traffic zones
Placement Tips
- •Site where the night-blooming flowers can be enjoyed near a patio.
- •Keep the low clump out of high-traffic zones.
- •Plant in sharp-draining granite.
- •Combine with taller columnar cacti for contrast.
Features
Best Uses
Ecological Value
Attracts
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Argentine Hedgehog. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Argentine Hedgehog — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Argentine Hedgehog need in Phoenix?
Argentine Hedgehog is a low-water cactus once established. Water every 2-3 weeks in the warm season and keep dry in winter; excellent drainage is essential to prevent rot. Drought tolerant clumping cactus that flowers on minimal summer water.
How big does Argentine Hedgehog get?
Expect roughly 2 ft tall and 3 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 3 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; keep the low clump out of high-traffic zones.
Can you plant Argentine Hedgehog near a pool?
Not ideally. Argentine Hedgehog is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Argentine Hedgehog handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Argentine Hedgehog is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants partial shade. Hardy to roughly 25°F, USDA 9-11; a low-desert performer needing light frost protection in cold pockets. Protect from hard frost below 25°F; the clump blooms heavily in spring after cool nights.
Does Argentine Hedgehog have thorns?
Yes — Argentine Hedgehog has medium thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Argentine Hedgehog safe around pets?
Argentine Hedgehog is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Argentine Hedgehog bloom in Arizona?
Argentine Hedgehog blooms in spring, with white flowers. The bloom draws nocturnal pollinators.
How much maintenance does Argentine Hedgehog need?
Argentine Hedgehog is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Remove spent flower stalks and any damaged stems; offsets can be divided to expand the clump.
What kind of soil does Argentine Hedgehog need?
Gritty, fast-draining mineral soil or decomposed granite; low organic matter. Nutrient needs are low. A light spring feeding with dilute cactus food encourages bloom but is optional.
Is Argentine Hedgehog native to Arizona?
No. Argentine Hedgehog is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Argentina, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.