Care of the cactus Echinopsis pachanoi or San Pedro cactus |
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The genus Echinopsis, family Cactaceae, comprises 150 species of cactus native to South America. Some species are: Echinopsis pachanoi, Echinopsis tarijensis, Echinopsis subdenudata, Echinopsis spachiana, Echinopsis schieliana, Echinopsis peruviana, Echinopsis oxygona, Echinopsis huascha, Echinopsis chiloensis, Echinopsis chamaecereus, Echinopsis candicans, Echinopsis bruchii, Echinopsis aurea, Echinopsis atacamensis, Echinopsis ancistrophora, Echinopsis mamillosa, Echinopsis schickendantzii, Echinopsis rhodotricha. Common name: San Pedro cactus. Scientific synonyms: Trichocereus pachanoi, Cereus pachanoi. This species is native to the Andes mountain range. They are large branched columnar cacti of bluish-green color in their youth (later they are light green) that reach 6 meters (19.68 feet) in height. They have 6-8 rounded and wide ribs. On the areolas they have 3-4 small yellowish radial spines up to 1 cm (0.39") in length and a longer central spine (up to 5 cm/1.96"). The spectacular 18 cm (7") diameter white flowers appear on the top of the plant. They produce green fruits that contain black seeds. These cacti contain psychotropic alkaloids such as mescaline. They are used in pots for patios and terraces when they are young. Adult plants are used in rockery, to form impenetrable barriers, and in cactus and succulent gardens. They are ideal for gardens with a Mediterranean climate. Echinopsis pachanoi needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. They resist light and occasional frosts. The soil can be a normal garden soil that is slightly clayey and with abundant coarse siliceous sand. Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried; they resist drought well. In winter do not water. Fertilize once in spring and once in early summer with a mineral cactus fertilizer. Pruning is not necessary. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess humidity. They are easily propagated by stem cuttings; They are also propagated from seeds sown in spring in a sandy substrate. |
Images of the cactus Echinopsis pachanoi or San Pedro cactus |
 Echinopsis pachanoi cristata |