Scientific Name:

Pachycereus schottii

Common name:

Big Penis Cactus

Family:

Cactaceae

Sub-Family:

Cactoideae

Tribe:

Pachycereeae

Genus:

Pachycereus

Origin:

Garden

Hardiness Zone:

13b

9b

ABout the PLant

The Pachycereus schottii, also known as the Mexican Fence Post Cactus, is a large and impressive succulent native to the deserts of Mexico. Growing up to 20 feet tall and 2 feet in diameter, this majestic cactus has an upright columnar shape with 12-20 ribs running along its length. Its thick green skin is covered in long white spines that can reach up to 8 inches in length. In springtime, this succulent blooms with beautiful white flowers that are about 4 inches wide and have yellow centers. These flowers are pollinated by birds and bats and will eventually give way to small red fruits that are edible for humans. Pachycereus schottii is easy to care for as long as it gets plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. It's important not to overwater this plant since it's prone to root rot if given too much water. Additionally, be sure not to expose it to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit or else it may suffer damage from frostbite. This species has been used for centuries by Native Americans for both food and construction purposes due its impressive size and durability. In modern times, Pachycereus schottii continues to be popular among gardeners looking for an eye-catching addition to their landscape or container garden.

The Pachycereus schottii succulent is a sun-loving plant, so it requires direct light for most of the day. However, during the hottest part of the day, it should be placed in bright indirect light to prevent burning. For the rest of the day, medium or low light is ideal. This will ensure that your succulent gets enough sunlight while avoiding too much heat and stress.

The Pachycereus schottii succulent prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. The ideal soil should be light and airy, with a mix of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand. It's important to make sure the soil is not too compacted or soggy, as this can lead to root rot.

The Pachycereus schottii succulent requires infrequent watering, about once every 2-3 weeks. Make sure the soil is completely dry before you water again. It's best to give it a deep soak when you do water and then let the soil dry out completely before watering again.

The ideal humidity conditions for the Pachycereus schottii succulent are between 40-50%. This is a low to moderate level of humidity, which is necessary to keep the succulent healthy and thriving. Too much or too little humidity can cause the plant to become stressed, so it's important to monitor and adjust accordingly.