San Pedro Cactus

San Pedro Cactus

The San Pedro cactus, also known as Echinopsis pachanoi or Trichocereus pachanoi, is a species of cactus often used for landscaping and ornamental purposes. Like most other cacti and succulents, it relatively easy to care for, as it does not require frequent watering. Moreover, unlike most other cacti and succulents, it can withstand cold temperatures and is a suitable plant option for someone living in colder temperatures. You can get San Pedro cactus seeds if you have a green thumb and enjoy the challenge, or grow it from a cutting of a mother cactus, the latter being the more common form of propagation.

San Pedro Cactus Appearance

The San Pedro cactus is a columnar cactus, meaning that it grows vertically without branching out. The stems may be light to dark green, sometimes with a bluish tinge, and six to eight ribs run parallel to the growth of the stem. Whitish spots along the ribs are called areoles, and each can produce a maximum of seven yellow or brown spines. However, it is possible that some San Pedro cacti will not have spines. As for height, they can grow to be three to six metres tall. Lastly, their white flowers bloom at night.

San Pedro Cactus Rooting

Once you have a San Pedro cactus cutting, its time to root them and let them grow. The time it takes the rooting process to be complete varies according to the season, soil type, location and the amount of sun exposure your new plant gets. The bottom end of your cutting should be dry and calloused. If the bottom feels soft and rotted, you need to cut the bad section off and allow your cutting to dry until the bottom is calloused. The San Pedro cactus needs to be rooted in well-draining soil to avoid the bottom rotting. Plant the cutting vertically into the soil, and keep the plant under the shade until roots begin to grow.

San Pedro Cactus Care

San Pedro cacti thrive in well-draining soil. You can also plant it in soil mixtures specially meant for cacti for optimum results. They do not need a lot of water, so as a rule of thumb, watering is not necessary if there is moisture in the soil. They prefer warm temperatures and grow their best in the summer or in warm climates.

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