Trichocereus pachanoi ‘San Pedro’ – ROD x EQ1 (cactus)

Description

Trichocereus pachanoi is a South American columnar cactus species used traditionally for divining/healing purposes. Named after Professor Aberlardo Pachano who travelled with Dr. Rose, the original western collector, in 1918 (Trout, 2005). Native to mountainous areas of Ecuador and Peru (between 1500m and 2700m). The common name refers to Saint Peter, who guards the gates of heaven.

The Trichocereus genus has been merged by taxonomists into the Echinopsis genus (now called Echinopsis pachanoi). Not many cacti experts agree on this merger.

An upright species to 6 metres tall. Also an excellent grafting stock, we consider it better than Myrtillocactus geometrizans and more tolerant and longer lived than Hylocereus sp. (although not as fast). More robust and adaptable than Pereskiopsis sp. but considerably slower, albeit longer lived.

A hybrid of Trichocereus pachanoi ‘Rod’ and ‘EQ1’, both Ecuadorian San Pedro.

Care and Cultivation of Trichocereus pachanoi

San Pedro likes a well drained potting mix (just a normal plant mix, it doesn’t have to be a cacti blend) and a full sun position. Coming from mountainous regions, it thrives in Southern Australia and also through subtropical Australia. Apply fertiliser in spring and throughout the year, less to zero in winter/cold periods. Trichocereus species can be watered most of the year in all climates. Cold and drought hardy, frost tolerant.

1 cactus seedling (60-100mm tall)