Care of the cactus Stetsonia coryne or Toothpick cactus |
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The genus Stetsonia, family Cactaceae, includes a single species of cactus native to Argentina, Bolivia and Paraguay. Common names: Toothpick Cactus, Argentine Toothpick, Toothpick Saguaro, Toothpick stetsonia. They are large, bluish-green tree-like cacti that reach 8 metres (26.24 feet) in height. They have 8-9 ribs and white oval areoles. They have 7-9 radial spines that are 3 cm (1.18") long and a central spine that is 5 cm (1.96") long. They produce large white flowers that are 15 cm (5.9") long and open at night. They bloom in early autumn. The globose green fruits are 3.5 cm (1.37") in diameter. Toothpick cactus is used on dry, sunny slopes, in rockeries and in cactus and succulent gardens. Young specimens can be grown in pots; their growth is slow. Stetsonia coryne grows best in full sun exposure. The safe winter temperature is 2 ºC (35.6 ºF); adult plants can withstand light frosts The soil can be normal garden soil with 30% coarse sand; it is very important that it drains very well. Water moderately in spring and summer, waiting for the substrate to dry completely. In autumn, reduce watering considerably and do not water in winter. Fertilize once in spring and once in summer with a mineral fertilizer for cacti. Toothpick cactus does not need pruning. Stetsonia coryne is quite resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess moisture. Argentine Toothpick is propagated from seeds sown in spring and from stem cuttings. |
Images of the cactus Stetsonia coryne or Toothpick cactus |
 Stetsonia coryne |