Peanut Cactus

The Peanut cactus is probably best known for its growth habit and showy blooms.

When young, the cactus looks like a peanut, but as it matures, it looks like a finger and starts to trail out of its planter. It also readily creates offsets, forming a delightful cactus cluster.

And when this cluster blooms, you’re in for a treat! You’ll see quite a few gorgeous bright orange-red flowers growing from multiple stems all at once.

Botanical name: Echinopsis chamaecereus

Other names: Chamaecereus cactus, Chamaecereus sylvestris, Chamaecereus silvestrii

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Lime green stems that turn dark and woody once old. Each stem grows to 6 inches to one foot tall and half an inch to one inch wide.

Stems are covered in short, white spines that are soft and not prickly. The ribbed spines and elongated stems gave the peanut cactus its name.

Clustering and trailing growth habit that has multiple long cactus stems spill out of a pot or spread out in the ground.

Very showy blooms. Flowers are fiery orange-red and 1-2 inches in diameter. Many bloom at the same time, creating a spectacle.

Blooms last from several days to a week, followed by oval fruits.

Caring for the Peanut cactus is easy and is similar to caring for the typical cactus. The main issue is overwatering.

Soil: Loose, well-draining soil that is lightly fertile.

Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 35 degrees.

Water: Occasional, deep watering. Allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Either use a moisture meter or stick your finger through the soil to gauge the moisture level. It’s better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Pests: Minimal pests that include mealybugs and spider mites.

To remove mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or apply rubbing alcohol directly to the area of infestation using a cotton swab.

To remove spider mites, use horticultural oil for crawlers and insecticidal soap for mites of all stages.

Whenever using any kind of pesticide, be aware that it can damage the plant if the temperatures are in the 80s or above.

Fungal diseases from root rot, dry rot, and harsh weather conditions.

Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture (especially an the bottom of the cactus)

Signs of too little water: Shriveling, drying skin

Signs of too much sun: Burning, scarring, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring

Although you can propagate peanut cactus via seeds, removing offsets is easier and quicker since the cactus produces so many. You can plant the offsets in soil or place them on top of soil, and they will root easily.

How much does peanut Cactus cost?

At our nursery, peanut cactus costs $15 for a 1-gallon container and $45 for a 5-gallon container.

Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

How fast does a peanut cactus grow?

Peanut cactus grows about 3-5 inches a year.

Why is my peanut cactus turning red?

It could be due to getting too much sun. In areas that experience extreme heat such as Palm Springs and Phoenix, Peanut cactus grows well in partial sun, and will still bloom.