Echinocereus russanthus is usually a single stemmed cactus that may branch and form clusters, some having as many as a dozen. Stem: Erect, spheric to short cylindric, 8-30 tall and 4-8 cm in diameter; ribs 10-20, crests prominent, slightly to conspicuously undulate; areoles 3-12 mm apart. Spines: Interlocking, bristle-like slender, typically reddish to brown (but also white or yellowish) obscuring the stems, radiating in all directions. Flowers: 2-3,5 × 1,5-3 cm; rust-red, often with darker purplish maroon midstripes, anthers greenish-yellow. Flowering: March - June.
In culture Echinocereus russanthus is without problems and regularly shows its small purplish flowers if we provide an adequate winter rest period. It is sensitive to overwatering (rot prone) needs good drainage, Keep drier and cool in winter. Need full sun; Very cold resistant hardy to -20° C or less for short periods of time.
Some of the information in this description has been found at desert-tropicals.com, llifle.com and cactus-art.biz
