A 24 hour blooming flower

[Widus]

Hi,
I am new to this forum. I am growing some cacti but only a few bloom so far. This one produces a unique very large flower (about 10 cm wide) that sadly only last 24-48 hours. What species is it?
Thanks for your input

[fanaticactus]

This one, of the few you say that bloom, is a fine specimen. It appears to be an Echinopsis species.

[Widus]

Thanks. Is there a good book on Echinopsis that you would recommend?

[toadstar]

I haven't come across any books devoted particularly to Echinopsis but there's a couple good websites on the subject.
http://echinopsis.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://echinopsisfreak.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://cactiguide.com/cactus/?genus=echinopsis" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[fanaticactus]

Their care is not very fussy at all. Moderate watering, very loose, porous, fast-draining substrate, full sun (most of them) with perhaps some light shade during the hottest part of the summer day, half-strength blossom booster fertilizer (high potassium/the 'middle number'). No water during the winter if you let them get down to about 40 degrees for the rest period. Otherwise, just a very light drizzling of water every month or so. These guidelines work for me, but you may have to adjust for where you live and your particular conditions.