Scientific Name
Pachycereus marginatus (DC.) Britton & Rose
Common Name(s)
Mexican Fence Post Cactus, Fence Post Cactus, Central Mexico Pipe Organ, Organ Pipe Cactus, Mexican Organ Pipe Cactus, Organ Pipe, Organo
Synonym(s)
Cereus marginatus, Lemaireocereus marginatus, Lophocereus marginatus, Marginatocereus marginatus, Stenocereus marginatus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Pachycereeae
Genus: Pachycereus
Description
Pachycereus marginatus is a basally clumping columnar cactus with unbranched dark green stems with 5 to 7 ribs and clusters of spines along each rib. The mature specimens possess shorter spines than juveniles. The stems grow up to 50 feet (15 m) tall and up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter. Each areole bears one central and 5 to 9 radial spines, all whitish or slightly yellowish.
The nocturnal flowers are pink to greenish, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long, and appear in spring. The spiny fruits are yellowish to reddish, 1.6 inches (4 cm) in diameter, and contain many black seeds.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Like most other plants that can grow to staggering size, Pachycereus cacti grow extraordinarily slowly throughout hundreds of years. As a result, they require virtually zero assistance on your end, provided they are raised in a desert environment.
These extraordinarily low-maintenance plants can grow untouched for decades, so there is not much you need to worry about. However, they must receive adequate sun and heat and be careful around their spines. If grown in containers, ensure they are being repotted, and their soil isn't too moist. Other than that, these plants are about as hands-off and straightforward as it gets.
Like most cacti and succulents, these plants propagate by cuttings. Sever a branch and replant in well-drained soil. Make sure to stand the cactus up in an empty container to let its ends heal off before you replant it; this will keep its stems shaped right, and cacti with dried ends form roots more easily after planting.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Pachycereus.
Origin
Pachycereus marginatus is native to Central Mexico.
Forms
Links
- Back to genus Pachycereus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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