Are you ready to be astounded by some of the most peculiar and horrific cacti on the planet ? Pachycereus cactus are truly a wonder of nature , with their predominate heights , bizarre shapes , and unbelievable longevity . From massive columnar behemoth to candelabra - like clusters , these weird but wonderful specimens will have you perfectly haunt . Get quick to embark on a journey through 14 of the most jaw - dropping Pachycereus varieties that will botch up your mind !
Contents
About Pachycereus Cacti
Native to Mexico , Pachycereus are large shrubby cacti that can mature up to around 65 human foot grandiloquent with stalwart stanch reach around 10 feet in diam . Considered among the longest cactus plant , their discern features include with child branch arms , ribbed columnar stem , and a magnificent tree - like visual aspect .
Types of Pachycereus Cacti
Pachycereus fulviceps
Pachycereus grandis
Pachycereus hallianus
Pachycereus hollianus
Pachycereus lepidanthus
Pachycereus marginatus (Mexican Fence Post Cactus)
vertical and clunking , this stiff and imposing columniform cactus has unbranched stems from the radical . In the wild it can reach up to 49 feet tall , but when work , it typically produce up to 13 feet or more .
Pachycereus militaris
A true tree - alike cactus reaching 16 - 20 foot high with numerous erect branches feature a special terminal cap ( cephalium ) from which small blossom issue . When the stem grow around 20 feet marvellous , each shoot tip converts into a dense head of spirally coif tubercle that produce flower protected by numerous long , golden bristles .
Pachycereus pecten-aboriginum (Indian’s Comb)
One of the most monolithic columnar , Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree - like cacti in the world , often reaching 23 - 49 invertebrate foot marvelous ! The trunk is myopic but immense , ofttimes branching within 2 - 10 pes from the root word into many colossal arm . This spectacular species match the size and stateliness of the famous Saguaro cactus .
Pachycereus pringlei (Mexican Giant Cactus)
Part of the renowned Sonoran Desert cacti mathematical group that includes the saguaro and electronic organ pipe cactus , the Pachyrereus pringlei now and then reaches well-nigh 65 feet tall and 16 metrical foot wide , with a trunk diam of 6 - 7 pes and weighing several ton ! It may survive over 200 twelvemonth and could be the heavy cactus coinage .
Pachycereus ruficeps
Pachycereus schottii (Whisker Cactus)
A easy - growing , usually trunkless cactus constitute numerous improbable , rise , columnar halt that outgrowth mostly at or near the base in a striking candelabra - comparable shape .
Pachycereus tetetzo
Pachycereus thurberi
Pachycereus weberi
A massive , tree - like columnar to candelabra - shape cactus make up to 36 feet high , much - prongy from a large body up to 7 foot tall .
How to Grow and Care for Pachycereus
While their grand stature mayseem scare off , Pachycereus cacti are in reality relatively easy to like for at plate . These optical delights also provide shelter homes for several bird species . Best of all , you do n’t necessitate to empower too much prison term and resources into their increment !
Light
These cacti thrive in moderate to bright light conditions . They need plenty of light but not necessarily harsh , direct sunlight . If you survive in cooler realm with less fair weather , be sure to place them near windows to maximize their light picture . Agrow lightcan also be used – set it on a timekeeper for 12 - 14 hours per day and position it 6 - 12 column inch off from the cactus .
Duringwinter , they ’ll do well in cool , bright elbow room . Just be certain to give them some sun in the summer month .
Water
Stagnant , stomach water is the foeman of Pachycereus cacti – they will never accommodate well to it . The same goes for infrequent or irregular watering . While many succulents opt minimum , infrequent watering , this is not the vitrine for Pachycereus .
Watering needs will vary by season – they ’ll require more frequent lachrymation during hot summer months and less during winter . The key fruit is never to let water collect around the base . apply a spray feeding bottle to lightly mist over the entire cactus when watering .
Soil
Pachycereus love growing among rocks , easily taking root around them thanks to favourable bacteria . At home , a standard well - draining cactus / succulent potting mix will work well .
Be sure to habituate a mixture with first-class drainage , as the cactus must never sit in pooled water or soggy soil which can induce rot . An glassless Lucius Clay pot is ideal to allow evaporation .
Fertilizer
While cacti are known for need minimal fertilisation , you could provide a gentle nutrient boost during the growing time of year by thin acactus fertilizeror liquid tomato plant food in the urine when cloud .
Climate
Pachycereus can thrive at typical warm room temperature as long as the melodic phrase is n’t overly humid . Those in humid climates may postulate to use a dehumidifier , as excess moisture is something these cacti cannottolerate .
Pests and Diseases
With well - draining dirt , your Pachycereus should be relatively problem - gratuitous . However , fungous diseases like botrytis can produce if the soil does n’t dry decent . You may also now and then ascertain mealybug or small mites .
Regular yearly pruning of spent growth , along with repotting into tonic soil , can help stave off any issues . At the first sign of rot orpests , deal by spray with an insecticidal grievous bodily harm or neem oil solution .
Propagating Pachycereus Cacti
Pachycereus can be easily spread from stem cuttings or seed during the lovesome spring and summer months . It justtakes a little timeand solitaire !
From Stem Cuttings
From Seeds
With just a little care , you ’ll be capable to propagate and grow your very own Pachycereus cacti !
How Fast Do Pachycereus Grow?
Pachycereus are notoriously slow - growing cacti . It can often take decades for them to strain their full , towering mature elevation of 20 - 65 feet ! However , this inert pace is all part of the good luck charm – each incremental change , from new branching growth toflowering , is a reliable delight to witness over prison term .
