Care of the cactus Stenocereus griseus or Mexican organ pipe |
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The genus Stenocereus, family Cactaceae, comprises 20 species of cactus native to Mexico, the southern United States, Central America, Venezuela and Colombia. Some species are: Stenocereus griseus, Stenocereus dumortieri, Stenocereus pruinosus, Stenocereus eruca, Stenocereus alamosensis, Stenocereus montanus. Common names: Mexican organ pipe, Dagger cactus. This species is native to Venezuela and the Antilles. They are large cacti of a waxy grayish-green color of branched arboreal bearing that reach 8 meters (26.24 feet) in height. They have 8-10 ribs with round areoles that have 10-11 pinkish radial spines and 1-3 central spines. They produce attractive white flowers with pink tones and edible fruits. Mexican organ pipe is used as indoor or greenhouse plants when they are young. It's ideal for rockeries and cactus and succulent gardens in regions with mild winters. Stenocereus griseus can be grown in direct sun or light shade exposures. It's sensitive to cold below 10 ºC (50 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of equal parts leaf mulch and coarse siliceous sand or a commercial cactus substrate. The transplant is done in spring. Dagger cactus resists drought very well, water moderately waiting for the soil to dry out. Fertilize once in spring with mineral fertilizer for cacti. Prune only to cuttings or remove damaged branches. Stenocereus griseus does not usually present problems of pests and diseases if there is not excessive humidity. Mexican organ pipe is easily propagated by stem cuttings (allow to dry 2-3 days before rooting) or from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the cactus Stenocereus griseus or Mexican organ pipe |
 Stenocereus griseus  Stenocereus griseus  Stenocereus griseus |