Mexican giant cactus

Also known as: elephant cactus; Mexican giant cardon

P. pringlei is a large, tree-like cactus with dark blue to green stems and reddish to dark brown spines fading to grey. On mature plants, nocturnal bell to funnel-shaped white flowers around 8cm across appear with greenish to red outer petals. Fruits are red and spiny.

Mexican giant cactus

Scientific classification

Species
Mexican giant cactus (Pachycereus pringlei)
Genus
Pachycereus
Family
Cactaceae
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Cactus Succulent
Plant type
Higher than 12 metres
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
Evergreen
Foliage
Columnar upright
Habit
Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest
Full sun
Sunlight
Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Mexican giant cactus pictures

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Distribution of Mexican giant cactus

Distribution map

Northwestern Mexico

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Information to be completed

Quick identification of Mexican giant cactus

Information to be completed

Mexican giant cactus care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
Watering
Full sun
Sunlight
Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced feed in spring and light repeat in growth season

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed. Stem-tip cuttings in summer

Growing

Grow under glass in a loam-based potting compost with added extra grit. Water moderately when in growth, not at all when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times in the growing season see houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation

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Common pests and diseases

Diseases

Generally disease free

Pests

mealybugs and scale insects can be a problem

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