Pachycereus pringlei is a tree cactus native to northern Mexico. In his homeland he can develop very high shoots. With proper care, it thrives not only in the greenhouse, but also indoors. How to care for a Pachycereus pringlei.
How do you properly care for a Pachycereus pringlei?
Pachycereus pringlei Care includes moderate watering in summer with low-lime water, monthly fertilization from April to August, cutting columns if necessary, annual repotting and overwintering at 10 to 15 degrees. Watch out for pests and diseases such as root rot, fungal diseases and lice infestations.
How do you water Pachycereus pringlei correctly?
Pachycereus pringlei is only watered in summer. Wait until the top layer of the substrate has dried. Use low-lime water, preferably rainwater.
You must avoid waterlogging. Excess irrigation water should be poured out immediately.
Do you need to fertilize Pachycereus pringlei?
Pachycereus pringlei can grow quite tall and therefore needs more nutrients than other types of cacti. From April to August it is supplied with normal cactus fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon) once a month.
Are you allowed to cut the columns?
In its homeland, the cactus tree reaches a height of up to 15 meters. When grown indoors, it naturally remains smaller. If there is no longer enough space, cut off the columns that are too long with a sharp, clean knife. Wrap the shoots with a terry towel to avoid injuring yourself on the thorns.
You can also cut shoots for propagation in summer. To do this, choose columns that are already half woody.
When is it time to repot?
Once a year you should check whether the current pot is still sufficient. You can immediately replace the old substrate with fresh soil.
The best time for repotting is spring.
What diseases and pests do you need to watch out for?
- Root rot
- Fungal diseases
- Scale insects
- mealybugs
Root rot can be prevented by watering the cactus moderately.
Fungal diseases manifest themselves as spots on the shoots.
You can recognize a lice infestation by the sticky spots on leaves and sprouts.
How to care for Pachycereus pringlei in winter?
The tree cactus can tolerate comparatively low temperatures, but is not frost hardy. It should never get cooler than 1 degree.
Ideally, the Pachycereus pringlei is overwintered at 10 to 15 degrees. The location must be as bright as possible. A greenhouse or a winter garden that is not overheated is a good idea.
In winter, do not water the Pachycereus pringlei and refrain from fertilizing.
Tip
With good care, the Pachycereus pringlei develops white flowers from June to August that open at night. Small berries emerge from the fertilized flowers.
