(You will receive a 100% healthy plant granted, nevertheless it is common to receive a plant with a few scares or scratches due to different factors. larger plans have been growing for years and it is close to impossible to grow a a plant with no signs of being alive)  

Are you trying to give your desert landscape a bit more height and aesthetic appeal? Look no further than Pachycereus marginatus or Lophocereus marginatus, also known as the Mexican Fence Post Cactus. 

This towering beauty is a popular selection for upscale desert gardens because of its geometric shape that demands attention and can grow quickly grow up to 15 feet tall. This cactus will awe, whether it grows in groups or stands out beautifully on its own as a focal point. Another distinctive feature of the Mexican fence post cactus is its exterior, which is ribbed and covered in sharp white spikes that protrude from all sides.  

Talk about being both trendy and edgy all at once! It produces the cylindrical "posts" that were traditionally used in Mexico to build actual fence lines. And don't forget about its gorgeous pink to light-red flowers, which bloom in the spring and gives your landscape an extra splash of color. This cactus has symmetrical rows of tiny white thorns that run along sharp ridges, giving it a stunning appearance from afar. 

Watering Needs 

Desert plants, such as cacti, are adapted to grow with minimal water. By storing it in their foliage and trunks, these plants are amazing at conserving water. Therefore, it's important to keep the moisture in the soil to a minimum.  This Pachycereus marginatus Mexican cactus is like a camel; they drink up a lot of water quickly and then can last a long time before needing water again. 

Usually, watering once every two or three weeks is ample during the summer. In the winter, if it doesn't rain you still should only water your cacti less once a month. If the plant doesn't receive enough moisture for an extended period of time, discoloration, pale stems, and browning can occur leading to stunted growth. In contrast, overwatering can cause root rot and fungal infection. 

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 Mexican fence post cactus 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 your Pachycereus marginatus doesn't receive enough light, their stems may grow leggy and become paler; so make your cactus happy and give it plenty of light. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

The Mexican fence post favors 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 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your cactus to thrive. As an alternative, you can create your own potting mix by combining equal portions of perlite, coarse sand, and potting soil. 

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

Hardiness Zones & More 

Typically grown in hot, arid desert regions, the Mexican fence post plant cactus thrives indoors in warm, dry surroundings. If you live in USDA regions 9 - 11, you can also grow these cacti outdoors year-round, but they are not cold- or frost-tolerant, so you should plant them indoors or put them in a pot and move them indoors during the winter if you live outside of these regions.  

Keep your Mexican fence post plant away from cold, drafty windows and air vents if you are growing it indoors in a cold climate. 

Bloom Season	Spring
Botanical Name	Pachycereus marginatus
Common Name	(Mexican fence post cactus
Dormancy	Winter
Family	Cactaceae
Flower Color	Pink, red
Flower Color	Pinkishred
Genus	Pachycereus
Growth Habit	Columnar
Growth Habit	Columnar trunks
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Rate	Slow
Hardiness Zone	9, 10, 11
Hardiness Zone	9 11(USDA)
Mature Size	10 15 ft. tall
Mature Size	12 feet
Mature Size	15 ft. tall
Native Area	Central mexico
Native Area	Mexico
Plant Type	Columnar cactus
Plant Type	Perennial cactus
Propagation	By leaves
Propagation	By leaves, cuttings, divisions
Propagation	By stem cuttings
Resistance	Drought tolerant
Resistance	Drought tolerant, deer resistant, mild frost tolerant
Resistance	Drought tolerant, pest resistance, disease resistant, deer resistant
Resistance	−3.9 °c
Soil PH	6.5
Soil PH	6.5, Acidic, Neutral
Soil Type	specialized cactus potting soil
Soil Type	specialized cactus potting mix
Special Features	Basal branches (Possessing ribs)
Special Features	Easy to maintain
Sun Exposure	Full sun, partial shade
Toxicity	Safe for humans
Toxicity	Safe for humans, friendly to dogs, friendly to cats
Toxicity	Safe for humans, mild toxic for pets(Keep away children)
Watering Needs	Low