Trichocereus chiloensis var. borealisis a fiercely spiny cactus. In habitat it can produce very long spines, up to 25 cm long, but usually shorter in cultivated specimens.

Growth Habits: T. chiloensis  borealis is a fiercely spiny cactus. It develops into a shrub or small tree.
Stem: Rarely single, usually of several branches, sometimes of many, arising from near the base, starting nearly at right angles to the main trunk but soon erect, up to 8 m tall, stems 10-12.5 cm in diameter ; 10 to 17 low and broad ribs, separated by narrow intervals, divided into large tubercles even when fully mature.
Areoles/Spines: Areoles large whitish, 2 cm apart. Spines yellowish with brown tips, at least when young, greyish later; 1 to 4 centrals, porrect, stout, 5-10 cm (or even 25 cm); 8 to 12 radials, up to 5 cm long.
Flowers: Nocturnal 14 cm. long, outer perianth-segments white but tinged with red or brown; inner perianth-segments white, acuminate.

Trichocereus chiloensis v. borealis F. Ritter
Published in: Kakteen in Südamerika, 3: 1109, 1980

Scientific name: Trichocereus chiloensis (Colla) Britton & Rose
Published in: The Cactaceae; descriptions and illustrations of plants of the cactus family 2: 137-139, f. 199-200, 1920

Origin: Chile.
 

Cultivation: It is very easy to grow and cold hardy as low as -12°C (or less). Need a fertile, well drained soil mix. Water the plants well and allow them to dry before watering again. This species seems to do better with a little more water than most cacti. In fact, its cultivation requirements are really more like 'normal' plants than most other cacti. During the growing season fertilize them monthly with a balanced fertilizer
Sun Exposure: Outside full sun, inside needs bright light, and some direct sun. During winter month, put them in a cool luminous place and encourage them to enter winter dormancy by withholding water and fertiliser over the winter as they will etiolate, or become thin, due to lower levels of light. They are susceptible to fungal diseases if overwatered, but are not nearly as sensitive as many other cacti, especially in warm weather. They tend characteristically towards black rotted spots unless watering is moderate and only in hot weather, if kept damp through cold periods, they will invariably suffer.
T. chiloensis produces noticeable amounts of growth each year if kept well fed and watered throughout the warmest months, particularly if it has been acclimatised to accept full sun. Once this cactus is established it can easily produce 20cm of growth every year.

Propagation: Cutting or from seed. The seeds are quite easy to germinate and grow. Their main requirements consist of high humidity levels, free-draining soil mix, and enough water, light, and nutrition

Photo of conspecific taxa, varieties, forms and cultivars of Lobivia (Echinopsis) pentlandii .
 Of plants belonging to the Lobivia... complex (This Taxon has lots of synonyms (like most Lobivia) whit several controversial varieties and subspecies):

• Trichocereus chiloensis
• Trichocereus chiloensis var. eburneus
• Trichocereus chiloensis var. borealis