Clumping, mat-forming, creeping or trailing cactus from Argentina with dramatic red-orange flowers that open in the daytime during late spring. Relatively common in cultivation. Many small (half inch wide) stems, roughly peanut-like, each with 6-9 ribs and bristly (not particularly dangerous) spines. Branches are easily detached and rooted. Suitable for hanging pots. Provide strong light and excellent drainage. Fast growing and prolific under permissive conditions. Winter cool is not required for flowering but may enhance it. This plant is not at all floriferous in our climate, which is quite mild (no winter cold or any particular warmth during late spring either).

This species was formerly classified under Cereus, Chamaecereus, Echinopsis and Lobivia. It has been hybridized extensively (these hybrids formerly known as xChamaelobivia, then Echinopsis, maybe back to the other name now) to generate a variety of flower colors. Many of the hybrids have been named. Several masquerade as the species (including examples on this page).

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I called mine Rat Tails for years, but when it flowered red instead of yellow as I'd seen in pictures, I determined it was Peanut Cactus. It grows to about 12" long, sending out 1" to 4" branches all along the sides that sometimes drop to make new plants and fill a pot in about a year. So easy to care for. Too much sun makes it turn bronze color, so it only needs filtered sunlight and bright light to bloom.

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