Cardon Grande
Echinopsis terscheckii
A compact Argentine cactus that draws hummingbirds with its spectacular orange-red spring and summer flowers.
Hardy to roughly 20-25°F, USDA 9-11; low-desert adapted and heat tolerant with light frost risk.
AMWUA Notes
Drought tolerant cactus that blooms reliably on minimal irrigation.
Care Guide
Water every 2-3 weeks in the warm months and keep dry in winter; sharp drainage prevents rot.
Minimal; remove damaged stems and spent flowers.
Optional light spring feeding.
Watch for mealybugs and scale between the ribs.
Protect from hard frost below 25°F; hummingbird-drawing orange-red flowers appear spring into summer.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Gritty, fast-draining mineral soil or decomposed granite; lean
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
Low feeder.
Offsets or seed
3 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; keep spines off paths
Placement Tips
- •Site in a rock or hummingbird garden where the blooms are visible.
- •Keep the spines off paths.
- •Plant in gritty, fast-draining soil.
- •Group with other clumping cacti for a naturalistic effect.
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 Cardon Grande. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Cardon Grande — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Cardon Grande need in Phoenix?
Cardon Grande is a low-water cactus once established. Water every 2-3 weeks in the warm months and keep dry in winter; sharp drainage prevents rot. Drought tolerant cactus that blooms reliably on minimal irrigation.
How big does Cardon Grande 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 spines off paths.
Can you plant Cardon Grande near a pool?
Not ideally. Cardon Grande is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Cardon Grande handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Cardon Grande is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Hardy to roughly 20-25°F, USDA 9-11; low-desert adapted and heat tolerant with light frost risk. Protect from hard frost below 25°F; hummingbird-drawing orange-red flowers appear spring into summer.
Does Cardon Grande have thorns?
Yes — Cardon Grande has small thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Cardon Grande safe around pets?
Cardon Grande 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 Cardon Grande bloom in Arizona?
Cardon Grande blooms in spring-summer, with orange/red flowers. The bloom draws hummingbirds.
How much maintenance does Cardon Grande need?
Cardon Grande is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Minimal; remove damaged stems and spent flowers.
What kind of soil does Cardon Grande need?
Gritty, fast-draining mineral soil or decomposed granite; lean. Nutrient needs are low. Optional light spring feeding.
Is Cardon Grande native to Arizona?
No. Cardon Grande is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Argentina, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.