Trichocereus spp.

HardinessZones 8–11

Overview

Trichocereus spp. is a genus of columnar and clumping cacti from South America, often merged into Echinopsis spp. by current authorities. Plants form ribbed green stems 5-15 cm (2-6 in) thick, ranging from low clustering mounds to erect columns reaching 0.3-6 m (1-20 ft) depending on species. The stems carry 4-20 ribs lined with areoles bearing clusters of straight spines 0.5-10 cm (0.2-4 in) long. Large funnel-shaped flowers, 8-25 cm (3-10 in) long, open at night from the upper stem; they are usually white, sometimes pink or red, and close by the following day. The flowers are followed by rounded, often hairy fruit holding small black seeds in white pulp. Native to the Andes and adjacent lowlands, species grow on rocky slopes, in scrub, and in seasonally dry grassland from Ecuador to Argentina. Several species, including T. pachanoi and T. peruvianus, contain mescaline alkaloids and are regulated as controlled substances in some countries. The spines make handling difficult, and stems are damaged by hard frost and prolonged wet soil.

Native Range

Trichocereus spp. is native to South America, concentrated in the Andes and neighbouring lowlands from Ecuador and Peru south through Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Species occupy elevations from near sea level to about 3,000 m (9,800 ft).

Suggested Uses

Trichocereus spp. is grown in containers, rock gardens, and dry borders in frost-free or near-frost-free climates. Columnar species are used as architectural specimens, while clumping species fill gravel beds. In cold regions plants are kept in pots and moved under cover for winter.

How to Identify

Recognise Trichocereus spp. by its ribbed, spiny green stems, columnar or clumping in form, and by large night-opening funnel flowers borne near the stem tips. The flowers, 8-25 cm (3-10 in) long, have a hairy floral tube and white to pink tepals. The areoles sit along distinct ribs, separating the genus from cacti with tubercles or flattened pads.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 20'

Width/Spread1' - 6'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs in late spring and summer, mainly June-August in the Northern Hemisphere and December-February in habitat. Individual flowers open after dark and close within a day, with mature plants carrying several blooms over a season.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white to pink

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 8-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Trichocereus spp. grows in full sun in gritty, sharp-draining mineral soils and tolerates drought once established. Plants take regular water during warm growth and stay dry through winter dormancy, when wet soil causes stem rot. A soil pH near 6.0-7.5 suits most species. Cold tolerance varies: some withstand light frost to about -7 C (19 F), while others are damaged below 5 C (41 F). Growth is slow to moderate, and columnar species can take several years to reach flowering size. The spines make repotting and handling awkward.

Pruning

Routine pruning is not required. Damaged or rotted segments are cut back to healthy tissue with a clean blade, and offsets can be removed at the base to limit clump spread. Cut surfaces are left to callus before any rooting.