Red Torch Cactus

Scientific Name: Echinopsis huascha (Web.) Friedrich & Rowley
Synonym: Acanthocalycium hyalacanthum, Cereus andalgalensis, Cereus huascha, Chamaecereus grandiflorus, Echinopsis hyalacantha, Echinopsis lobivioides, Echinopsis pecheretiana, Echinopsis rowleyi, Helianthocereus andalgalensis, Helianthocereus grandiflorus, Helianthocereus huascha var. auricolor , Helianthocereus huascha, Helianthocereus hyalacanthus, Helianthocereus pecheretianus, Lobivia andalgalensis, Lobivia grandiflora, Lobivia huascha, Lobivia hyalacantha, Lobivia purpureominiata, Pseudolobivia lobivioides, Pseudolobivia pelecyrhachis var. lobivioides , Trichocereus andalgalensis, Trichocereus andalgalensis var. auricolor , Trichocereus auricolor, Trichocereus catamarcensis, Trichocereus grandiflorus, Trichocereus huascha, Trichocereus huascha var. pecheretianus , Trichocereus lobivioides, Trichocereus rowleyi
Family: Cactaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 13-24
USDA: 9-10

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 15°F (-10°C)

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Argentina

Growth Habits: Basally branching, up to 3 feet tall (90 cm), each stem 2 to 3.2 inches in diameter (5-8 cm); 12 to 18 ribs; whitish brown areoles; 1 to 2 centrals, up to 2.4 inches long (6 cm); 9 to 11 brownish radials, up to 1.6 inches long (4 cm).

Watering Needs: Little water in summer, no in winter

Propagation: Cuttings or seeds. The flower color is not always true from seeds

Echinopsis sp., a bigger and taller version to 2 feet (60 cm)

The third picture is sold as Trichocereus grandiflorus, taxon now included in Echinopsis huascha.

Trichocereus grandiflorus at Kuentz's Le Monde du Cactus

Blooming Habits:
The main form has red flowers in summer, but forms with orange and yellow (E. huascha var. macrantha) flowers are also found. The flowers, produced near the end of the stems, are 3 to 4 inches long (7-10 cm).