Scientific Name
Cereus pierre-braunianus Esteves
Synonym(s)
Cereus pierrebraunianus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Genus: Cereus
Etymology
The specific epithet "pierre-braunianus (pier-ray braun-ee-AY-nus)" honors Pierre Josef Braun (born 1959), a German agronomist and botanist.
Origin
Cereus pierre-braunianus is native to Brazil (grows on limestone cliffs in Goiás, near Campos Belos).
Description
Cereus pierre-braunianus is a large, tree-like cactus with segmented, upright or ascending branches that arise from a woody trunk. It can grow up to 23 feet (7 m) tall, with the main stem reaching up to 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter. When young, branches are green to grayish-green and become light gray and blotchy with age. They have 4 to 6 ribs lined with clusters of gray to dark gray spines with a black tip. The spines can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. Each areole bears 7 to 9 central and 7 to 10 radial spines. The branches are spineless near the top or have 1 to 3 short spines. The segments can grow up to 30 inches (75 cm) long and up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter.
The flowers are white and appear from spring to early fall. They can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. The fruits are green to brownish, ball-shaped, and can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for Cereus pierre-braunianus
Light: Cereus cacti like full sun. They can handle partial shade but thrive during the summer in direct sunlight. Sunny south, east, or west window is a good spot to grow a Cereus indoors.
Soil: These cacti do not like "wet feet" and need to be grown in well-draining soil. Use commercial soil mixes for cacti and succulents, or make your own potting mix.
Hardiness: Cereus pierre-braunianus can withstand temperatures as low as 20 to 50 °F (-6.7 to 10 °C), USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b.
Watering: From spring to fall, during the active growth period, water thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out before watering again. With the arrival of fall, gradually reduce the watering frequency.
Fertilizing: During their growing season, Cereus cacti like regular fertilizing. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to 1/4 strength, can be added to each watering. Do not feed during the winter.
Repotting: While Cereus cacti are young, it is recommended that they be repotted each year in early spring to provide fresh soil, inspect the root system, and move them to larger pots if necessary.
Propagation: Using stem cuttings is the easiest method to propagate Cereus because seed propagation is a slow process.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Cereus.
Toxicity of Cereus pierre-braunianus
Cereus cacti are non-toxic to humans or animals.
Links
- Back to genus Cereus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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