Echinocereus Rigidissimus (Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus)

Echinocereus rigidissimus
Common Name: Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus

Echinocereus rigidissimus, also known as the Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus, is a compact and colorful desert gem prized for its striking bands of pink, white, and rose-colored spines. The nearly spineless appearance is an illusion—its fine, closely spaced spines create a soft, velvety look and give the plant its signature “rainbow” striping.

Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, this species forms a single, upright stem and is slow-growing but incredibly rewarding. In late spring to early summer, it puts on a spectacular floral show with large, magenta-pink blooms that can span up to 4 inches across!

☀ Light Requirements
Prefers full sun to very bright light. Outdoors, it thrives in full sun with good airflow. Indoors, place in the sunniest possible location—ideally a south-facing window.

💧 Watering Needs
Water deeply only when soil is completely dry. During active growth (spring/summer), water moderately. In winter, reduce watering significantly or stop altogether to encourage dormancy and flowering.

🌡 Temperature Tolerance
Cold-hardy to around 20–25°F in dry conditions. Protect from hard frost and excessive winter moisture. For winter shipping, consider adding a Heat Pack .

✨ Special Features
• Rainbow Spines – Colorful banded spines make each plant unique and highly collectible
• Huge Blooms – Large, vivid pink flowers burst from the crown in warm months
• Compact Size – Grows as a single column, perfect for small pots or show containers

Other Common Names:
Rainbow Cactus, Arizona Rainbow, Rigid Spine Hedgehog

This cactus will ship bare root and will be ready to place directly in a well draining soil mix like our Custom Cactus Mix.

Photos in the listings unless otherwise specified are representative of the plant that will be sent to you.
However, Plants grow differently and each plant may vary slightly in shape, size, growth pattern, etc.
Of course, if you receive a plant that you are dissatisfied with please reach out to us. We want to make it right!

If temperatures near you are below 45℉ we highly recommend adding a Heat Pack to your order.
If temperatures where you live will be much lower than 20℉ even heat packs may not work. You may consider waiting until things warm up a bit. We know you love your plants just like we do and we wouldn't want any of them to freeze.