Scientific Name
Pilosocereus pachycladus F.Ritter
Common Name(s)
Blue Columnar Cactus
Synonym(s)
Pilosocereus pachycladus subsp. pachycladus, Pilosocereus atroflavispinus, Pilosocereus azureus, Pilosocereus cenepequei, Pilosocereus cyaneus, Pilosocereus oreus, Pilosocereus schoebelii, Pilosocereus superbus, Pseudopilocereus atroflavispinus, Pseudopilocereus azureus, Pseudopilocereus oreus, Pseudopilocereus pachycladus, Pseudopilocereus superbus
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Cereeae
Genus: Pilosocereus
Description
Pilosocereus pachycladus is one of the most spectacular columnar cacti. It grows up to 33 feet (10) tall and ramify at the base or develops a distinct trunk with dozens of erected bluish-silver branches up to 4.4 inches (11 cm) in diameter. The branches are turquoise or light blue-green. The areoles are up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter, with white to grey felt and long white bristles. The spines are translucent with a yellow hue turning grey as they get old. The flowers are more or less funnel-shaped, whitish with greenish or reddish outer segments, up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Like most cacti, Cereus are fairly low-maintenance and hardy. Make sure they receive enough water without becoming waterlogged, especially during the summer, and fertilize them for best results. If the roots have become black or overly soft, the cactus could be experiencing root rot. Cut away the affected parts and replant. Most gardeners interested in cacti should be able to cultivate these without much problem.
It may become necessary to repot your Cereus if it outgrows its container. If so, make sure the soil is dry and then remove the pot. Knock away old soil, prune away any rotted or dead roots, then replace it in a new pot and backfill it with new soil. Make sure not to overwater cacti planted in new pots, as this can lead to root rot. It should be left dry for about a week and then watered lightly.
These cacti propagate quite easily from cuttings. Simply sever a branch and replant in moist, well-drained soil.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Cereus.
Origin
This species is native to Brazil.
Links
- Back to genus Pilosocereus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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