Description: The typical Pachycereus
pecten-aboriginum
is a big “organ-pipe cactus” that looks remiscent of a Saguaro cactus
but thinner. The crested form can also get very big making a spectacular
specimen.
Cultivation: It is a fairly easy plant to grow, both
grafted or on its own roots. During the summer it is best to keep the
plants outside, where the temperature can rise to over 30 C with no harm
to the plant. Furnish good drainage and use a an open and free draining
mineral compost that allows therefore roots to breath. They like only a
short winter's rest, and should be kept almost completely dry during the
winter months. If the soil is allowed to be dry for too long, root loss
could follow but equally the same result would occur if the plants
were
both wet and cold. From March onwards the plant will begin to grow, and
watering should be increased gradually until late May, when the plant
should be in full growth.
Water regularly during the summer, so long as the plant pot is allowed to
drain and not sit in a tray of water. During hot weather you may need to
water the plants more frequently,
as long as the plant is actively
growing. From late September watering should be reduced, to force the
plant to go into a state of semi-dormancy.
By October you should be
back in to the winter watering regime.
It needs full sun, avoiding only the harshest summer sun.
If kept too dark,
plants may become overly lush and greener, and could be prone to rot,
due to over-watering.
Feeding may not be necessary at all if the compost is fresh.
Then feed
in summer only if the plant hasn't been repotted recently.
Do not feed
the plants from September onwards, as this can cause lush growth, which
can be fatal during the darker cold months.
Grown
specimens resist to -4°C for a short time, but it is best to keep above
0° C to avoid ugly spots on the plant's epidermis.
Propagation: By
vegetative propagation grafting or stem cuttings from adult plants.
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