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Cactus Succulent

Pachycereus pringlei

Mexican giant cactus

A large, tree-like cactus with dark blue to green stems and reddish to dark brown spines fading to grey. On mature plants, nocturnal bell to funnel-shaped white flowers around 8cm across appear with greenish to red outer petals. Fruits are red and spiny.

Other common names
elephant cactus
Mexican giant cardon
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green Red Brown Grey Silver White Green Yellow
Summer Blue Green Red Brown Grey Silver Red
Autumn Blue Green Red Brown Grey Silver
Winter Blue Green Red Brown Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical 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
NW Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added extra grit. Water moderately when in growth, not at all when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times in the growing season see houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed. Stem-tip cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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