Why people love it
Easter lily cactus is a round, ribbed cactus with short spines. For most of the year it’s a tidy green ball, often surrounded by little pups. Then, usually in late spring or summer, it sends out long tubes that open into enormous pink trumpet flowers, sometimes bigger than the cactus itself. Each flower is fragrant and opens in the evening, then fades within a day or so.
Getting it to flower
- Give it a cool, dry winter rest. Keep it in a bright, cool spot and water very little until spring. This is the most important step.
- Lots of light in spring and summer. Flowers need plenty of direct sun.
- Watch for fuzzy buds. Buds start as small, hairy bumps on the side of the ball. Don’t move the plant once they appear.
Care in a nutshell
- Sun-loving. In low light it stretches into a narrow, pale shape.
- Water deeply, then wait. Let the soil dry out completely between waterings.
- Share the pups. Twist off offsets in spring, let them dry for a few days, then set them on dry cactus mix.
See the cacti guide for more on desert cacti and handling spines.
Watch out for
- A soft, dark base means rot from too much water, especially in winter.
- No flowers usually means a winter that was too warm or too wet, or not enough summer sun.
Fun fact: The common name comes from its flowers, which look like Easter lilies, not from when it blooms. Most plants flower in late spring or summer.
