Widely praised as one of the easiest cacti to grow, the claret cup cactus is known by many different common names across its native range. At home in the Desert Southwest, claret cup is also known as kingcup cactus, mound hedgehog cactus, Mojave cactus, and strawberry cactus. Regardless of what you call it, this mounded cactus thrives in heat and drought. It also lights up rock gardens and desert areas April through June with deep orange, nearly scarlet waxy blossoms atop spiny stems. In fact, mature plants unfurl hundreds of flowers for several weeks. Note that claret cup has a reputation of blooming best following exceptionally cool and dry winters.
Claret Cup Cactus Overview
Where to Plant Claret Cup Cactus
Plant cactus in full sun and sand or soil that is extremely well-drained—or risk root rot. Make sure the planting bed is well away from play areas in which spines could cause injury. In cool regions choose a planting spot next to a south or west-facing wall, which will provide extra protection in winter.
Plant claret cup cactus with other cold-hardy succulent and cacti species native to your zone for a garden that thrives in a dry environment and boasts dramatic texture and structure all year long. If possible, do so in a raised area or slope in your garden to avoid water retention, especially during winter. Total sun exposure is key, so consider that when planning your landscaping design.
How and When to Plant Claret Cup Cactus
Claret cup cactus thrives in lean soil, so do not add compost to the planting hole. Plant each cactus carefully, spreading roots out over the soil and situating the plant so its base rests on top of the soil. After planting the claret cup, water it well. Mulch plants with a ½- to 1-inch-thick layer of pea-size gravel around the base of the plant to protect it from soggy soil during the winter months. To provide an easier, quicker start, try planting your claret cup cactus outside anywhere from late spring through summer. That way, roots will acclimate better to the warm environment, settling and growing faster.
Claret Cup Cactus Care Tips
Though most succulents and cacti tend to be low-maintenance, there are a few key care tips you should follow.
Light
Claret cup cactus, like most cacti, needs full sun, which means at least 6 to 8 hours of bright sunny exposure every day.
Soil and Water
Claret cup cactus should be planted in well-draining, low-fertility soil in order to thrive.
Water the claret cup cactus every 5 to 7 days for the first month or so after transplanting. Continue watering every 2 to 4 weeks during spring and summer if there has been no rain. Stop watering in early fall (this is when your claret cup cactus will go dormant) so plants can begin to dehydrate and prepare for winter. Keep them dry during wintertime. The claret cup cactus will go out of dormancy by itself as temperatures rise and the days are naturally longer.
Temperature and Humidity
Cacti have their own way of dealing with and getting used to certain types of weather. Be careful if you live in extremely hot climates and your claret cup cactus has sudden changes in appearance—yellowing, skin turning soft, mushy, or white—as it may be a sign of dehydration or sunburn. The same rule applies when it comes to humidity. Claret cup cacti prefer a dry environment; if there's humidity this may lead to fungal or other diseases harmful to the plant.
Pruning
As a general rule, most succulents and cacti don’t take pruning really well and it should only be done if you’re trying to reshape your claret cup cactus after a few seasons. You may also do so if the plant is still “sleepy” after leaving the dormant period; if you have seen signs of pests, sunburnt, extreme dryness, or fungi; or if the skin is turning yellow and soft. The best time of the year to prune cacti is during late spring or early fall—basically when it’s still relatively warm outside—and you’d need pruners, loppers, and protective gardening gloves to remove dead or damaged stems.
Potting and Repotting
Claret Cup Cactus can be grown in pots and makes a unique houseplant. Though this plant needs a hot, warm climate in order to bloom—think areas such as southern California, Texas, and northern Mexico—claret cup cactus will thrive indoors if you mimic its preferred environmental conditions, especially during late fall and wintertime. Position it near a window to get as much light exposure as possible; keep roots dry; use a potting soil specifically formulated for cactus (a well-draining mix so the water can flow) and water only when necessary.
Claret cup cactus should be repotted every 3 or 4 years or if the size is becoming too large for the current pot or placement. While you may not get those bright red-orange flowers claret cups are known for, you’d at least enjoy a healthy, prosperous cactus year-round, especially if you’re building your own cactus garden at home.
Pests and Problems
Claret cup cactus is generally resistant to pests and diseases but they may attract mealybugs, root mealybugs, and scale pests or sucking insects. In the early stages, you may be able to stop the proliferation by dabbing on rubbing alcohol where you see the white scales or by spraying non-toxic solutions often found in home improvement stores. Less common pests would be spider mites and fungus gnats, often caused by high humidity.
How to Propagate Claret Cup Cactus
Propagate claret cup cactus via seed or leaf and stem cuttings.
To propagate by seed: In the spring, sow the seed shallowly in a tray filled with moist, sandy soil. Place the tray in a warm area of your garden or home. Germination can take about a week or two. When seedlings have reached a sturdy size, transfer to an individual pot to continue growing.
To propagate by cuttings: Wear protective gloves and remove the plant from its pot. Select an offset and carefully remove it from the plant, ensuring that there are roots attached. Allow it to dry and form a callus in a shady, warm place for a few days. Then, plant the offset in barely moist cactus soil. Keep the soil slightly moist until new growth emerges.
Claret Cup Cactus Companion Plants
Muhly Grass
Most muhly grasses are high on drama, offering their beautiful floral display to dry gardens. They have a soft, airy appearance that is welcome among agaves and other rough-texture plants that feature in low-water gardens. Pine muhly, in particular, grows best in fast-draining soil that is low in nutrients, so sandy soil is perfect. Avoid heavy clay and wet locations.
Yucca
Yucca is an easy-to-grow companion for claret cup cacti as they share some similarities—both love full sun and warm climates and can withstand dry conditions. The large, spikey foliage is striking (as well as their delicate blush or white flowers) but do be careful when planting near pathways as theleaves have very sharp points. Yucca needs to have well-drained soil and avoid wet locations, otherwise, the root can start rotting over time.
Gaura
Soften the strong lines and spikey nature of cacti and succulents with a delicate, airy alternative like gaura. Despite having a delicate appearance in both flowers and branches, you'd be surprised to know how tolerant and resistant this plant is to full sun and extreme drought. Besides this, gaura attracts plenty of pollinators.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where does the plant name come from?Claret cup cactus is commonly known by many names, including claretcup (named for the red cup-shape flowers), kingcup, and Mojave mound, but its actual scientific name, Echinocereus triglochidiatus, comes from its resemblance to an actual hedgehog—spikey and round. In fact, the word "echinos" means hedgehog in Greek. The species name, triglochidiatus, means "with three barbed bristles."
Claret cup cactus is commonly known by many names, including claretcup (named for the red cup-shape flowers), kingcup, and Mojave mound, but its actual scientific name, Echinocereus triglochidiatus, comes from its resemblance to an actual hedgehog—spikey and round. In fact, the word "echinos" means hedgehog in Greek. The species name, triglochidiatus, means "with three barbed bristles."
- Is king cup cactus edible?The fruit found in a claret cup cactus is edible. The fruit is flavorful, plump and fleshy, and it has a round white pulp with black seeds inside. It's surrounded by spines that can easily be rubbed off.
The fruit found in a claret cup cactus is edible. The fruit is flavorful, plump and fleshy, and it has a round white pulp with black seeds inside. It's surrounded by spines that can easily be rubbed off.