The Cardon cactus, known as 'Pachycereus pringlei', is the tallest cactus known to man, with a remarkable 60 feet height and the trunk can be up to 3 feet thick. This thick and large columnar cactus is native to Mexico. It can live for over 300 years.

It has several other common names such as Mexican giant cactus, Elephant cactus, or  False Saguaro. This slow-growing cactus is well-known for its resilience in arid environments and its long lifespan, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and desert-themed gardens.

With its columnar shape with a single trunk is sure to turn heads and add drama to any space.

As it ages, the cactus develops numerous arms or branches, which give it a tree-like appearance.

Its thick, water-storing tissues enable it to survive prolonged droughts.

Despite its slow growth, the Cardon can eventually dominate any landscape with its stately presence. Its ability to thrive in arid conditions makes it a resilient and iconic plant in desert environments.

When it comes to flowering, its white bell-shaped flowers bloom only for one day in the late afternoon and remain open until noon the next day. Each flower lasts for only a short period but is quickly replaced by new blooms, giving the cactus an ethereal beauty during its flowering season. The flowers eventually give way to small, fleshy fruits that are edible and consumed by native wildlife.

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.  

When and How to Water Your Cardon Cactus 

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, it can lead to discoloration and a shriveling look as it consumes more of the water in its interior.  When you water them, do not overwater them, as this can lead to root rot and fungal infections. 

Light Requirements - Where to Place Your Cardon Cactus

Providing enough light for these desert cacti is one of the most important aspects of their care.

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.

When growing outdoors, 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.

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

When growing indoors, your Cardon cacti prefers temperatures between 70°F to 85°F during the day and can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures at night. Indoor humidity levels should be kept low, ideally around 30% to 40%, as high humidity can lead to rot and other issues.

For outdoor cultivation, the cardon cacti is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. This means it can thrive in regions with minimal frost and warm temperatures. In these zones, daytime temperatures can reach 90°F or higher during the summer months, while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 50°F in the cooler months.

It's crucial to ensure that they are not exposed to freezing temperatures, as this can damage or kill the plant. If you live in a region that experiences cold winters, consider bringing the cactus indoors during these months or using protective measures such as frost cloths. Additionally, while cardon cacti can tolerate drought, they do benefit from occasional deep watering during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.

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 and 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. 

Cardon Cactus Propagation

Pachycereus pringlei can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept in a warm, sunny location to germinate successfully. Additionally, cuttings can be taken from healthy, mature plants and allowed to callous before planting in a similar soil mix.

Key Takeaways