Looking for a unique and striking addition to your cactus collection? Look no further than the 'Pachycereus pringlei' - also known as the Mexican giant cactus, Elephant cactus, or False Saguaro. With its columnar shape with a single trunk is sure to turn heads and add drama to any space.
Pachyrereus pringlei is the tallest cactus known to man, with a remarkable 60 feet height and a robust, thick trunk that can have a diameter of up to one meter. This thick and large columnar cactus is native to Mexico.
The most spectacular feature is its white bell-shaped flowers that bloom only for one day in the late afternoon and remain open until noon the next day. But don't be intimidated by its bold appearance - this Mexican giant cactus plant is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of environments.
Keep reading to learn more about this stunning variety of Pachycereus plants and how you can incorporate it into your own home or garden.
Watering Needs
Desert plants like the mexican giant cardon cacti are adapted to survive in harsh hot environments, storing water in their stems and trunks for months at a time. During summer, you should water them every 2-3 weeks or when the soil is dry. In winter, you may not need to water them at all.
Cactus, on the other hand, can go months without water and not die. However, if there is a severe drought or you forget to water them for over a month during the summer then it can lead to discoloration and a shriveling look as it consumes more of the water in its interior. When you water them, take care not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and fungal infections.
Light Requirements
Providing enough light for these desert cacti is one of the most important aspects of their care. It is important to grow the cardon cactus plant in areas that receive at least 4-6 hours of bright, direct light every day to keep them happy.
If indoors, place your cactus directly in front of a west- or south-facing window. If they don't receive enough light, their stems may grow leggy and become paler, and their spines will shorten, so make your cactus happy and give it plenty of light.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
These false saguaro cardon plants favor very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary 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 that contains over 10 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your cactus to thrive.
When it comes to fertilizing, remember that less is more. A small amount of natural or organic fertilizer once a year in spring will do wonders for your plant's health and growth. Using organic fertilizers also ensures that other beneficial compounds and microbes are added to the soil without the use of harsh chemicals. Show your succulent some love with awesome natural fertilizer and watch it thrive.
Hardiness Zones & More
As desert dwellers, the Mexican giant cardon cactus enjoys hot temperatures. They prefer temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand triple digits in the summer, so don't be concerned if your cactus becomes overheated. The Mexican giant cactus, on the other hand, cannot handle frost, cold, or freezing temperatures, so make sure it doesn't get below 25 degrees Fahrenheit in its environment.
If grown outdoors, these cacti grow best in USDA zone 9 - 11. In cooler zones, it can be kept outdoors during the summer and brought in as the temperature drops.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to add something truly exceptional to your garden. Order your very own Pachycereus pringlei – Mexican giant cactus, today!
Traditional & Medicinal uses of Pachycereus Pringlei
Pachycereus Pringlei was once harvested as a food source, with a molasses flavor and medicinal benefits. The seeds of cordon cactus are edible, highly nutritious, and Plants have been used in traditional medicine. The stems contained alkaloids and were known to be psychoactive in Mexico.
Please consult with a healthcare expert before consuming this plant as the proper dosage is unknown.
| Bloom Season | Late Spring early summer |
|---|---|
| Bloom Season | Mayjune |
| Bloom Season | Spring, summer |
| Botanical Name | Pachycereus pringlei |
| Botanical Name | Pachycereus pringleite |
| Common Name | Elephant Cactus, False Saguaro, Mexican Giant Cardon |
| Common Name | False Saguaro Cardon , the Mexican Giant Cardon, Elephant Cactus |
| Common Name | Mexican giant cardon |
| Common Name | Mexican giant cardon cactus, False Saguaro, elephant cactus |
| Dormancy | Summer |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Whit, pinkish |
| Flower Color | White |
| Genus | Pachycereus |
| Growth Habit | Columnar |
| Growth Habit | Columnar cactus |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Growth Rate | Slow growth |
| Hardiness Zone | 10 11 (USDA) |
| Hardiness Zone | 10a to 11b |
| Hardiness Zone | 9 11(USDA) |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 10 metres (30 ft) |
| Mature Size | 18 in. tall |
| Mature Size | 40 ft. tall |
| Mature Size | 60 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Native Area | Northwestern Mexico |
| Native Area | Sonora desert, Mexico |
| Native Area | Sonora mexico |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Plant Type | Perennial cacti, Tree |
| Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
| Propagation | By cuttings |
| Propagation | By cuttings, divisions |
| Propagation | By seeds, cuttings |
| Resistance | 20°f |
| Resistance | Drought resistance, cold resistance, deer resistance |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, deer resistant, mild frost tolerant |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, pests resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Cactus potting mix soil |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting soil |
| Special Features | Funnelshaped flowers |
| Special Features | Hundreds of years lifespan |
| Special Features | One of the largest cacti, easy to grow |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Mild toxic to humans, pets(Keep away from children) |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |
- Description
- Key Plant Features
Looking for a unique and striking addition to your cactus collection? Look no further than the 'Pachycereus pringlei' - also known as the Mexican giant cactus, Elephant cactus, or False Saguaro. With its columnar shape with a single trunk is sure to turn heads and add drama to any space.
Pachyrereus pringlei is the tallest cactus known to man, with a remarkable 60 feet height and a robust, thick trunk that can have a diameter of up to one meter. This thick and large columnar cactus is native to Mexico.
The most spectacular feature is its white bell-shaped flowers that bloom only for one day in the late afternoon and remain open until noon the next day. But don't be intimidated by its bold appearance - this Mexican giant cactus plant is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of environments.
Keep reading to learn more about this stunning variety of Pachycereus plants and how you can incorporate it into your own home or garden.
Watering Needs
Desert plants like the mexican giant cardon cacti are adapted to survive in harsh hot environments, storing water in their stems and trunks for months at a time. During summer, you should water them every 2-3 weeks or when the soil is dry. In winter, you may not need to water them at all.
Cactus, on the other hand, can go months without water and not die. However, if there is a severe drought or you forget to water them for over a month during the summer then it can lead to discoloration and a shriveling look as it consumes more of the water in its interior. When you water them, take care not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and fungal infections.
Light Requirements
Providing enough light for these desert cacti is one of the most important aspects of their care. It is important to grow the cardon cactus plant in areas that receive at least 4-6 hours of bright, direct light every day to keep them happy.
If indoors, place your cactus directly in front of a west- or south-facing window. If they don't receive enough light, their stems may grow leggy and become paler, and their spines will shorten, so make your cactus happy and give it plenty of light.
Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs
These false saguaro cardon plants favor very airy, sandy soil that drains well. Planting them in ordinary 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 that contains over 10 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your cactus to thrive.
When it comes to fertilizing, remember that less is more. A small amount of natural or organic fertilizer once a year in spring will do wonders for your plant's health and growth. Using organic fertilizers also ensures that other beneficial compounds and microbes are added to the soil without the use of harsh chemicals. Show your succulent some love with awesome natural fertilizer and watch it thrive.
Hardiness Zones & More
As desert dwellers, the Mexican giant cardon cactus enjoys hot temperatures. They prefer temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand triple digits in the summer, so don't be concerned if your cactus becomes overheated. The Mexican giant cactus, on the other hand, cannot handle frost, cold, or freezing temperatures, so make sure it doesn't get below 25 degrees Fahrenheit in its environment.
If grown outdoors, these cacti grow best in USDA zone 9 - 11. In cooler zones, it can be kept outdoors during the summer and brought in as the temperature drops.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to add something truly exceptional to your garden. Order your very own Pachycereus pringlei – Mexican giant cactus, today!
Traditional & Medicinal uses of Pachycereus Pringlei
Pachycereus Pringlei was once harvested as a food source, with a molasses flavor and medicinal benefits. The seeds of cordon cactus are edible, highly nutritious, and Plants have been used in traditional medicine. The stems contained alkaloids and were known to be psychoactive in Mexico.
Please consult with a healthcare expert before consuming this plant as the proper dosage is unknown.
| Bloom Season | Late Spring early summer |
|---|---|
| Bloom Season | Mayjune |
| Bloom Season | Spring, summer |
| Botanical Name | Pachycereus pringlei |
| Botanical Name | Pachycereus pringleite |
| Common Name | Elephant Cactus, False Saguaro, Mexican Giant Cardon |
| Common Name | False Saguaro Cardon , the Mexican Giant Cardon, Elephant Cactus |
| Common Name | Mexican giant cardon |
| Common Name | Mexican giant cardon cactus, False Saguaro, elephant cactus |
| Dormancy | Summer |
| Dormancy | Winter |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Flower Color | Whit, pinkish |
| Flower Color | White |
| Genus | Pachycereus |
| Growth Habit | Columnar |
| Growth Habit | Columnar cactus |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Growth Rate | Slow growth |
| Hardiness Zone | 10 11 (USDA) |
| Hardiness Zone | 10a to 11b |
| Hardiness Zone | 9 11(USDA) |
| Hardiness Zone | 9, 10, 11 |
| Mature Size | 10 metres (30 ft) |
| Mature Size | 18 in. tall |
| Mature Size | 40 ft. tall |
| Mature Size | 60 ft. tall, 3 ft. wide |
| Native Area | Mexico |
| Native Area | Northwestern Mexico |
| Native Area | Sonora desert, Mexico |
| Native Area | Sonora mexico |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Plant Type | Perennial cacti, Tree |
| Plant Type | Perennial cactus |
| Propagation | By cuttings |
| Propagation | By cuttings, divisions |
| Propagation | By seeds, cuttings |
| Resistance | 20°f |
| Resistance | Drought resistance, cold resistance, deer resistance |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, deer resistant, mild frost tolerant |
| Resistance | Drought tolerant, pests resistance |
| Soil PH | 6.5, Acidic, Neutral |
| Soil Type | Cactus potting mix soil |
| Soil Type | specialized cactus potting soil |
| Special Features | Funnelshaped flowers |
| Special Features | Hundreds of years lifespan |
| Special Features | One of the largest cacti, easy to grow |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Toxicity | Mild toxic to humans, pets(Keep away from children) |
| Toxicity | Safe for humans, safe for pets |
| Watering Needs | Low |