Momotaro has shown up here, and the Chihuahua sees it and is so confused it cannot tell them apart...

Some people say Momotaro is the Chihuahua,

WHY exactly

Because they are both succulents

Just how similar are they? Well

Actually, these are two different varieties, and indeed the two look extremely similar. It is not just you who gets confused, I do too!

Actually, the Chihuahua's leaf tips are a bit sharper, while Momotaro's leaves look a bit thicker. Some growers also say the Chihuahua's leaves look more tightly packed than Momotaro's. The Chihuahua's leaf tips are red, but its leaf edges do not turn red, whereas with Momotaro, if there is enough light and it gets a good tan, the whole leaf may turn red▼

The Chihuahua is a succulent in the Crassulaceae family, genus Echelia (Echeveria), and everyone is used to calling it Chihuahua. Because the plant is beautiful, with red tips that have the charm of a drunken imperial concubine, it is also called Yang Guifei. The Chihuahua has a small plant form, with leaves arranged very neatly in a standard rosette shape. The leaves are ovate and slightly cupped, with a small tip at the apex, and the small tip is often red.

Momotaro (ももたろう) is a succulent in the Cactaceae family, genus Echinocereus (the hedgehog cactus genus), successfully bred by Japanese horticulturist Shuichi Kitahori in 1990. This variety was selected after crossing Onigashiro (a variety of Echinocereus coccineus with basically no spines or densely covered short spines) with Echinocereus reichenbachii, and then selecting from the offspring. The flowers come in three colors and are over 5 cm in diameter. Momotaro is a very successful hybrid variety; its areoles are smoother than those of Onigashiro, making it a rare spineless variety among cacti, and its flower colors are even more brilliant and colorful.

Care Guide

Light

Momotaro likes a sunny, cool and dry growing environment; it is drought-tolerant but not cold-tolerant. When summer high temperatures reach around 35, it needs appropriate shading and water control; you can use a shade umbrella and control water. During the growing season it can take full sun; insufficient light will cause leggy growth. In winter it can be placed indoors in a spot with strong sunlight.

Watering

During the growing period, just keep the potting soil moist. Note that when watering and fertilizing, it is best not to touch the leaves. For growers new to Momotaro, you can water according to the principle of "do not water until dry, and when you water, water thoroughly." Watering is generally done in the evening after the sun has set or at night.

Potting Soil

Momotaro does not have high soil requirements; loose and breathable is fine. Generally, you can use peat or coconut coir + perlite at a 1:1 ratio for cultivation.
4. Propagation: Momotaro is generally propagated by leaf cuttings or division.

For these two that look so super similar, you will have to distinguish them carefully....

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