About
This cactus hails from Central America. In the wild these are principally bat pollinated. The ribbed trunks may be branched and can reach 6m.Older plants will bear eye-catching pale pink flowers with lemon throats on their crowns. characteristic for the silky growth surrounding its spines, it has earned the nickname, woolly torch.
About the genus
Pilosocereus is a genus of vigorous and fast-growing cacti which often become large in size, with some varieties reaching over 4m. Some species are branched in form and night-flowering whilst other are more shrub or tree-like. Many have an attractive blue colour. Flowers are funnel-shaped with greenish or reddish outer segments.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Patio and container plants
Native toE Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala
Care notes
CultivationRequires good light and sharp drainage. Increase watering and feeding in summer months to promote growth. A minimum temperature of 11oC. Could be placed outdoors in a sheltered spot in summer. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
PruningPruning is not required
PropagationPropagate by stem cuttings or by seed in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, earwigs, eelworms, mealybugs glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Disease resistanceOver-watering, especially in cooler temperatures will cause rot