Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &
Mexican Fence Post Cactus &

(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

Pests & Common Problems of the Mexican Fence Post Cactus

Generally speaking, the Mexican fence post cactus is a low-maintenance outdoor plant with few challenges. Mealybugs and scale insects are the most common pests, and they can cause white patches or brown spots on the body, respectively.

Don't be worried if you find any of these pests on your fence post cactus plant. They can be eliminated with ease. 

For mealybugs: To get rid of them, simply dab the insects with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Until they are gone, repeat this procedure every week.  

For scale insects: Using a pair of heavy gloves, you can remove scale insects from the plant. 

The most common problems are:  

Root rot: Overwatering or too much moisture in the soil may be the cause of rot. If the plant exhibits stem or root rot, you must cut off the affected areas and let the plant fully dry out before replanting.  

Leggy Growth: If you start noticing that your plant is growing leggy, simply move it to a bright area because this is a sign that there isn't enough light. 

Mexican Fence Post Cactus FAQs

How fast can the Mexican fence posts grow?  

The rate of growth of this cactus is quite remarkable. It grows rapidly from the spring to summer and can grow up to 3 feet per season in optimal conditions. 

Is Pachycereus marginatus poisonous?  

Pachycereus marginatus (Mexican fence post cactus) is not toxic to humans or animals. It is recommended that you take precautions and keep children and pets away from the area. 

Why is my Mexican fence post cactus (Pachycereus marginatus) turning yellow?  

Mexican fence post cacti can turn yellow due to overwatering, inadequate light, pests, or any combination of the three. The cactus doesn't require a lot of moisture because excess moisture can lead to anoxia and root rot. 

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Customer Reviews
4.9 Based on 21 Reviews
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Filter Reviews:
CB
08/23/2023
Claude B.
United States United States

Cactus Comments

Fantastic! Wonderful specimine arrived unharmed.

T
07/24/2023
Tony
United States United States

Taken exactly to the pot!!!

I absolutely love this thank you planet desert for a wonderful, fence post!

Planet Desert Mexican Fence Post Cactus 'Pachycereus marginatus' Review
TH
07/21/2023
Tony H.
United States United States

Thank you planet desert!!

Came looking absolutely immaculate!

Planet Desert Mexican Fence Post Cactus 'Pachycereus marginatus' Review
ZW
01/14/2023
Zack W.
United States United States

Looks great

I love this cactus

Planet Desert Mexican Fence Post Cactus 'Pachycereus marginatus' ReviewPlanet Desert Mexican Fence Post Cactus 'Pachycereus marginatus' Review
ZW
01/04/2023
Zack W.

Looks great

Great

Mexican Fence Post Cactus 'Pachycereus marginatus'

sku: 788

21 reviews
Regular price$ 12.99
/
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size
Height: Height: 8"-11" Height: 16"-20" Height: 23"-26" Height: 28"-33"

Please note: All Landscape Ready plants that are in a 6-inch pot or larger WILL NOT come with a pot as it will be shipped bare root.

  • Low stock - 1 item left
  • Inventory on the way

If you live in a cold climate and are expecting temperatures below 40 degrees within the next five days after placing your order, we highly recommend adding a heat pack to your order. If you do not order a heat pack, we do not send one with your order.

BUY HEAT PACKS HERE

**FREE HEAT PACK WITH ORDERS OVER $50 before taxes and shipping- BY REQUEST ONLY, PLEASE MAKE A NOTE ON YOUR ORDER.

To prevent plants from freezing while in transit, orders placed for areas with extreme severe freezing temperatures will be held for shipment until it is safe to ship.

Plants that are in 3.5" pots and smaller will be shipped in its pot to prevent any damage to the roots. Any plant that is 6" and larger WILL NOT come with a pot as it will be shipped bare root.

Depending on the species and season, you will receive a very similar plant to the one in the picture. It may or may not be blooming at the time of your purchase.

We ship via USPS Priority Mail, and we calculate the shipping cost based on the weight and volume of your purchase. Care instructions are included in every package you order. Please allow us up to 3 business days to process your order. Depending on your location, we will ship the plants on a certain day to avoid transit time during weekends or holidays. If you wish to receive your order on a specific date, or have special instructions, please add a note on your order. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at any time.

  • Description
  • Features

(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

Pests & Common Problems of the Mexican Fence Post Cactus

Generally speaking, the Mexican fence post cactus is a low-maintenance outdoor plant with few challenges. Mealybugs and scale insects are the most common pests, and they can cause white patches or brown spots on the body, respectively.

Don't be worried if you find any of these pests on your fence post cactus plant. They can be eliminated with ease. 

For mealybugs: To get rid of them, simply dab the insects with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Until they are gone, repeat this procedure every week.  

For scale insects: Using a pair of heavy gloves, you can remove scale insects from the plant. 

The most common problems are:  

Root rot: Overwatering or too much moisture in the soil may be the cause of rot. If the plant exhibits stem or root rot, you must cut off the affected areas and let the plant fully dry out before replanting.  

Leggy Growth: If you start noticing that your plant is growing leggy, simply move it to a bright area because this is a sign that there isn't enough light. 

Mexican Fence Post Cactus FAQs

How fast can the Mexican fence posts grow?  

The rate of growth of this cactus is quite remarkable. It grows rapidly from the spring to summer and can grow up to 3 feet per season in optimal conditions. 

Is Pachycereus marginatus poisonous?  

Pachycereus marginatus (Mexican fence post cactus) is not toxic to humans or animals. It is recommended that you take precautions and keep children and pets away from the area. 

Why is my Mexican fence post cactus (Pachycereus marginatus) turning yellow?  

Mexican fence post cacti can turn yellow due to overwatering, inadequate light, pests, or any combination of the three. The cactus doesn't require a lot of moisture because excess moisture can lead to anoxia and root rot. 

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Customer Reviews
4.9 Based on 21 Reviews
5 ★
95% 
20
4 ★
0% 
0
3 ★
5% 
1
2 ★
0% 
0
1 ★
0% 
0
Customer Photos
Write a Review Ask a Question

Thank you for submitting a review!

Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!

Filter Reviews:
CB
08/23/2023
Claude B.
United States United States

Cactus Comments

Fantastic! Wonderful specimine arrived unharmed.

T
07/24/2023
Tony
United States United States

Taken exactly to the pot!!!

I absolutely love this thank you planet desert for a wonderful, fence post!

Planet Desert Mexican Fence Post Cactus 'Pachycereus marginatus' Review
TH
07/21/2023
Tony H.
United States United States

Thank you planet desert!!

Came looking absolutely immaculate!

Planet Desert Mexican Fence Post Cactus 'Pachycereus marginatus' Review
ZW
01/14/2023
Zack W.
United States United States

Looks great

I love this cactus

Planet Desert Mexican Fence Post Cactus 'Pachycereus marginatus' ReviewPlanet Desert Mexican Fence Post Cactus 'Pachycereus marginatus' Review
ZW
01/04/2023
Zack W.

Looks great

Great

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