Pachycereus marginatus
organ pipe cactus
A large, upright cactus, reaching up to 15m in its native range but usually much smaller in cultivation. Stems are deep green, with 5-7 ribs edged with slightly woolly areoles that are often linked together creating a pale-coloured line down the rib. Areoles bear short spines, and on mature plants produce nocturnal white, pink or purple flowers in spring, followed by round reddish fruits. Young plants are often single-stemmed, only branching at the base as they mature
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | White Pink Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Red | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Pachycereus are a genus of columnar, tree-like perennial cacti, native to semi-desert areas of the USA and Mexico. Branches form from the bases of the main stems and have large spines with tubular flowers produced only on mature plants in the summer.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass, or in patio containers and overwinter in a greenhouse. Plant in a sharply-draining cactus mix and position in full sun. Water moderately when in growth, keep dry over winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown at 19-24ºC in spring, or by stem tip cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Maybe susceptible to scale insects and sometimes mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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