If you are looking for a unique and low-maintenance plant to add to your cactus collection? Look no further than the blue torch cactus, also known as Pilosocereus pachycladus a vibrant member of the Pilosocereus genus!  

This towering cactus also referred to as blue columnar cactus, can reach a height of 33 feet and boasts thick branches about 2 feet wide. But it's not just its impressive size that makes this plant a showstopper - its unique silvery-blue trunk with vertical growth pattern is truly a sight to behold. 

Don't overlook the most distinguishing feature of this blue torch cactus, its upright blue stem covered in golden-yellow spines. The Blue torch cactus is perfect for adding some exotic flair to your landscaping, and the best part? It's totally safe and non-toxic for both humans and animals.  

Plus, during the summer blooming season, you'll be treated to beautiful white flowers with greenish-red outer parts that will make your garden pop. Its globular, flattening, reddish-purple fruits make it look like a miniature garden masterpiece! 

So why wait? Add one of these showstoppers to your landscape today and watch as it grows into a stunning centerpiece! 

Watering Needs 

Many cacti, like the blue torch cactus, thrive when cared for properly by using the "soak and dry" technique. This involves giving your plant a generous watering followed by allowing it to completely dry out before watering again. 

Make sure that you are also using porous sandy soil and make sure if it is in a pot, then make sure there is a drainage hole to avoid overwatering. It's best to withhold watering your outdoor cacti in rainy seasons or cold weather. 

Light Requirements 

The blue Pilosocereus cacti can withstand plenty of bright sunlight to remain healthy. You should expose this cactus to direct sunlight every day for up to 4 – 6 hours. This may be simpler to accomplish if you are growing it outside, but if you want to grow it as an indoor plant, all you need to do is set the potted cactus on a suitable windowsill in your home. 

Learn to adjust your blue torch cactus to avoid burns if the location where you have the plant is exposed to a lot of direct sunlight throughout. Gradually increase the exposure until it can handle the full sun. 

It's critical to remember that during a heatwave or other short periods of extreme heat, your blue torch cactus could still sustain sun damage or get sunburned. You can protect this very low-maintenance plant in this situation by moving it indoors or to a bright, shade area. 

 Optimal Size & Fertilizer Needs 

The blue torch plants prefer very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting these wildly unique house plants in regular soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and, most likely, root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally, use our specialized potting mix, which contains organic mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that will help your cactus thrive. 

When it comes to fertilizing this spectacular cactus, it only needs a small amount of fertilizer applied once a year in spring. Cacti prefer a fertilizer with lower doses of NPK, with a maximum ratio of 5-10-5 that is higher in phosphorus than nitrogen. 

A little goes a long way!  

Hardiness Zones & More 

The blue torch cactus is an outdoor tropical columnar cactus that can be grown in USDA zones 9 and 11. In cooler zones, it can be kept outdoors during the hot summer months and brought in as the temperature drops. 

With the help of Pilosocereus pachycladus, you'll start to spend less time maintaining your garden and more time taking in its beauty!