100 TRICHOCEREUS PACHANOI San Pedro cactus seeds

KK339 Trichocereus Pachanoi

(San Pedro Cactus)

*Each lot contains 100 seeds*

CUTTINGS AND OTHER QUANTITIES AVAILABLE

Trichocereus Pachanoi is perhaps the most famous of the trichocereus species.  This easy-to-grow, ornamental, columnar cactus is popular for a variety of reasons.  It is a sacred symbol amongst the various peoples of its native habitat, which stretches from the Andes of Peru to Bolivia to Ecuador.  A common landscaping cactus, pachanoi is also tolerant of a wide variety of conditions and can handle more water and fertilization than most cacti, making it a good species for beginners.  Its small spines also make it easier to handle for those who are not experienced with dealing with sharp spines or those who have curious kids or pets that may be injured by larger spines.  Additionally, it is a rapid grower, making it a favorite grafting stock for speeding up the progress of slower-growing cacti such as astrophytum and ariocarpus.  Under ideal conditions, San Pedro can grow up to 18 inches per year and will readily shoot off new pups (branches).  Frost hardy to about 26 degrees Fahrenheit, these cacti can be raised outdoors all year in Zone 9 or warmer.  Otherwise, it should be kept in medium to large pots that can be moved inside during the winter months.  Plants can be watered frequently during the summer months, sometimes as often as every two days if the top inch or two of the soil is dry.  During the winter, they should be slowly acclimated to cool, dry, dark conditions to avoid stretching that could damage the aesthetics and structural integrity of the plant.  When breaking dormancy in the spring, a reverse process of slowly introducing the factors necessary for growth may be beneficial for the same reason.  For optimal skin color, T. pachanoi should be kept in partial rather than full sun and the soil should be well-draining and rich in organic nutrients and minerals.  Its blooms are large, white and have a strong, pleasant perfume. 

Growing Information:

Seeds should be germinated in a fine sandy soil at about 70-75 degrees.  A commercial potting mix with the larger material strained out is ideal.  Flatten out the soil and then put a thin layer of loose soil above it.  Sow the seeds on the surface and press in very lightly. They need light to germinate.  Mist the soil to keep it moist and cover with clear plastic. Ideally, the covering should not be flat across the top because it will cause the water to drip back on the young seedlings, which sometimes causes rot.  Something like a sandwich bag often makes a better “tent” because the water will run down the sides more easily.  The soil should not be allowed to dry out while the plants are seedlings.  Use a mister if the soil does get dry.  Place the seedlings on a heat mat (ideally) and in bright light. Placing the seeds just a few inches from fluorescent lights is ideal for starting seedlings, although natural light will work too.  Note that using a heat mat will cause more evaporation, which may require more attention.  Be sure to air out the seedlings once a day for best results. 

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