Abstract: In order to study rapid culture techniques and root adaptability of Echinocactus grusonii, five
nutrient solutionswere used to grow Echinocactus grusonii together with a medium mixed with coconut husk,
pearlite and sand as a control. The results showed that Echinocactus grusonii grew well in five tested formulae
and there was a significant increase in ball biomass in still solution culture over that in medium culture, with a
biomass increment of 307.48 - 399.16 g·plant^-1 in 163 d. In still solution culture, Echinocactus grusonii
roots grew well with vigorous root differentiation and development. For examp le, fresh and dry mass of root,
root activity, total root length and root surface area increased by 114.6% , 43.3% , 38.1% , 460.7% and
246.4% , respectively, over that in the medium culture. The submergence condition in solution culture altered
the morphological and anatomic structure of rootswith smaller root diameter ( decreased from 0.83 mm in me
dium culture to 0.51 mm in solution culture) , less cortex cell layers, enlarged intercellular space, and more
developed root aerenchyma, which might be beneficial to root resp iration and up take of nutrients and water. It
is concluded that still solution culture is an effective and rap id cultural technique for Ech inocactus g rusonii.

Key words: Echinocactus grusonii, Hydroponics, Plant growth, Root adaptability