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Pachycereus pringlei - Mexican giant cactus

Pachycereus pringlei
Mexican giant cactus

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This plant carries a 30 days recovery warranty

More information

A majestic columnar cactus, with slow growth, ideal for lovers of designer cacti. It requires a very bright exposure with direct sunlight, a well-draining substrate, and moderate watering. Grown indoors, it remains more compact and makes a beautiful subject for decorating a living room or conservatory, either alone or in combination with other sculptural cacti.  
Watering frequency
Low (once a fortnight)
Indoor exposure
Direct sunlight
Benefits and advantages
Graphics port
Benefits and advantages
Requires little water

Description

Pachycereus pringlei, native to northern Mexico, is one of the largest cacti in the world, reaching impressive dimensions in its natural habitat. It is distinguished by its imposing columnar habit, its dark green ribbed stems, and its numerous rigid thorns. This cactus grows quite quickly and can form several branches from a young age. Indoors, it is appreciated for its majestic appearance, although it grows slowly.

Pachycereus pringlei belongs to the Cactaceae family and is native to the Sonoran Desert, in northwestern Mexico and Baja California. It is also known by the names Cereus pringlei, Cereus calvus, Cereus titan, Pachycereus calvus, Pachycereus titan, Pilocereus pringlei. It grows naturally in arid zones, where it can reach 10 to 15 metres in height. When grown in pots indoors, it remains much more modest, typically reaching 1 metre after several years. Its columnar, dark green body is marked by 10 to 15 well-defined ribs, on which develop woolly areoles bearing robust, greyish thorns. At maturity, under good conditions, it produces large nocturnal white flowers, followed by reddish fleshy fruits, but these phenomena are very rare indoors.

Pachycereus pringlei requires several hours of direct sunlight per day. It tolerates high temperatures, between 20 and 35 °C, but must be protected from the cold and kept above 10 °C in winter. Its growing medium must be very well-draining, with a mix of cactus compost, coarse sand, and perlite being ideal to prevent water retention. Water moderately, allowing the medium to dry out completely between waterings. In winter, it is necessary to reduce watering significantly to respect its dormancy period. While not very susceptible to diseases, it can still be attacked by mealybugs.

Pachycereus pringlei is not toxic, but its rigid and sharp thorns can cause injuries if handled. It is advisable to wear gloves when repotting and to place it out of reach of children and pets to avoid any risk of accidents.

With its majestic habitPachycereus pringlei reigns in a spacious living room, conservatory, or bright greenhouse. It is best grown in a terracotta pot, which improves drainage and highlights its imposing silhouette. It pairs well with other columnar cacti, such as Carnegiea gigantea or Echinopsis terscheckii, as well as with more compact succulents, like Echeveria agavoides or Sedum nussbaumerianum.

 

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Pachycereus pringlei - Mexican giant cactus in pictures

Pachycereus pringlei - Mexican giant cactus (Flowering) Flowering
Pachycereus pringlei - Mexican giant cactus (Foliage) Foliage
Pachycereus pringlei - Mexican giant cactus (Plant habit) Plant habit

Foliage

Foliage colour green
Foliage persistence Evergreen

Plant habit

Growth habit Dressed, Columnar
Height at maturity 80 cm
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Pachycereus

Species

pringlei

Family

Cactaceae

Other common names

Mexican giant cactus

Origin

North America

Safety measures

Epineux ?
Product reference24090

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Location

Place it in a south-facing position with direct sunlight. You can move your cactus outdoors onto the terrace from late May to late September. A winter rest period, kept dry in a fairly cool room, will encourage flowering.

Location

Indoor exposure Direct sunlight
For which room? Office, Lounge, Veranda
Growth habit Dressed, Columnar
Height at maturity 80 cm
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate fast
Low temperature tolerance >10°C (temperate greenhouse)
Humidity level Moderate (40-60%), Dry (<40%)

Maintenance and care

Water once a week, allowing the compost to dry out between waterings. In winter, reduce watering to once a month.

Potting advice, substrates and fertilisers

Repot preferably in early spring, every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant becomes too large for its pot.
Use a succulent compost mix with well-draining elements such as coarse sand or perlite. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Apply a liquid fertiliser specially formulated for succulent plants (low in nitrogen, for example NPK 2-7-7), to be applied once a month during the growth period, in spring and summer.

Disease and pest advice

In case of mealybug infestation, gently clean the affected areas with a cotton bud soaked in 70% alcohol. This cactus dislikes excess water which causes its roots to rot.

Maintenance and care

Watering frequency Low (once a fortnight)
Fogging 1 time a week
Type of soil Cactus potting soil
Pests and diseases Mealybugs, Rots
Susceptibility to diseases Low
Ease of cultivation Beginner

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