Scientific Name
Echinopsis lageniformis 'Monstruosa Clone A'
Common Name(s)
Ornamental Penis Plant, Penis Cactus, Penis Plant, San Pedro Penis, The More Sensual of Cacti
Synonym(s)
Echinopsis lageniformis f. monstruosa 'Clone A', Echinopsis lageniformis f. monstruosa 'Long Joined Clone', Echinopsis lageniformis f. monstruosa inermis 'Clone A', Echinopsis lageniformis f. monstruosa inermis 'Long Joined Clone', Echinopsis lageniformis 'Penis Cactus', Trichocereus bridgesii f. monstruosus 'Clone A', Trichocereus bridgesii f. monstruosus 'Long Joined Clone', Trichocereus bridgesii 'Monstruosus Clone A'
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Trichocereeae
Genus: Echinopsis
Description
Echinopsis lageniformis 'Monstruosa Clone A', also known as Trichocereus bridgesii 'Monstruosus Clone A', is a highly prized plant by ornamental cactus collectors. It slowly grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. Contrary to the typical columnar habit of the species, this form displays short stem sections that branch avidly, forming a low spiny bush. The upper part of each stem segment is smooth and spineless, resembling a penis, hence the common name. The stems are light green, up to 14 inches (35 cm) tall, and up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. The lower part is spiny and shows a tendency to form ribs.
This form is always mixed with the smaller Echinopsis lageniformis 'Monstruosa Clone A'.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
If you can grow cacti and succulents successfully, you can likely grow the Echinopsis species without much trouble. Like many cacti, they prefer a drying period between waterings, even to the point where they slightly wilt. When you water, however, you should water deeply. The plant will noticeably plump up. The cactus mustn't be exposed to prolonged dampness and sitting water. Never let your cactus sit in a dish of water. Lastly, make sure to fertilize during the growing season for the best results.
Echinopsis can be easily rooted from offsets, which tend to cluster around the mother plant's base. Cut offsets close to the stem at the narrowest possible place. When rooting cacti from cuttings, let the fresh cutting dry out slightly on a paper towel and cut the cacti at the narrowest place possible. After a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the cut surface, the cut surface should have dried out and formed a callous or slightly rough opening. Once the callous has formed, place the cutting in a rooting mixture of fast-draining cacti soil.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Echinopsis.
Origin
This cactus is one of two forms of Echinopsis lageniformis selected for its monstrose growth.
Links
- Back to genus Echinopsis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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