Echinopsis ‘Althea’ × BBG 48.1540 Blue Columnar Cactus

Echinopsis ‘Althea’ × BBG 48.1540 is a blue columnar cactus hybrid for specimen containers and desert landscape focal points. Its powder-blue waxy coating, distinctive spines, and substantial upright columns bring sculptural character to a cactus collection.

Lineage and characteristics

This hybrid combines GeeBee’s ‘Althea’, known for its powder-blue coating and artistic spination, with BBG 48.1540, the 1948 Berkeley Botanical Garden accession associated with vigorous growth and broad columns. The plants are described as fast-growing, with prominent V-shaped notches above the areoles and strong disease resistance. Bright, filtered sunlight helps showcase their chalky-blue coloration.

Plant care

• Light: Provide 6 or more hours of sunlight. In hot desert climates, use 20%–30% shade cloth or filtered afternoon sun to help protect the waxy coating and prevent tip scorching.
• Soil: Use a coarse, fast-draining cactus mix with 50%–60% mineral material, such as pumice, perlite, lava rock, or calcined clay, and 40%–50% organic matter or low-peat cactus potting soil.
• Water: Water thoroughly during active growth from spring through early autumn, then allow the mix to dry completely. Keep dry during cool winter dormancy to help prevent root rot.
• Feeding: Feed every 3–4 weeks during active growth with a diluted, low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer containing micronutrients.
• Temperature: Protect from prolonged freezing. Established, dry, in-ground Echinopsis peruviana may tolerate brief temperatures around 28°F–32°F, but potted plants should overwinter in a cool, bright, frost-free location above 40°F.

Size and shipping

Available in a 1-gallon size. Ships bare root.