Organ-Pipe Cactus
Stenocereus thurberi (formerly Lemaireocereus thurberi) (CACTACEAE)
Planting and Growing Organ-Pipe cactus
You’ll find everything you need to know to plant and grow organ-pipe cactus in the accompanying table’s tabs:
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- Flowers and fruit of organ-pipe cactus
- Growing conditions for organ-pipe cactus
- When and where to plant organ-pipe cactus
- How to plant organ-pipe cactus
- How to shape, prune and control growth of organ-pipe cactus
- Watering, fertilizing, and care of organ-pipe cactus
- Landscape uses of organ-pipe cactus
- Pest and disease control for organ-pipe cactus
Growing Organ-Pipe cactus
Several cultivars of slow-growing, erect, branching, columnar, ribbed cacti, 12–15 ft. (3.7–4.5 m) tall, armed with brown black, needlelike spines, to 2 in. (50 mm) long. Offsets form large colonies of cacti over time.
Organ-Pipe cactus Planting and Care Guide
Flowers and Fruit
Showy, cream, pink, purple, white, tubular flowers, to 3 in. (75 mm) long, opening at night, in spring, form fleshy, round, red fruit, to 3 in. (75 mm) wide, in summer.
Best Climates
U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones 7–11. Semi-hardy. Best in arid, mild-winter climates.
Soil Type and Fertility
Damp to dry, well-drained, sandy soil. Fertility: Average–low. 6.5–8.0 pH. Salt tolerant.
Where and How to Plant
Full sun. Space 6–10 ft. (1.8–3 m) apart.
Proper Care
Easy. Water deeply; allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Withhold water in winter. Drought tolerant. Fertilize annually in spring. Propagate by offsets, seed.
About This Species
Good choice for accents, containers, fencelines in arid, natural gardens and landscapes. Pest resistant. Fungal disease susceptible.
Warning:
Spines can be hazardous; avoid planting in gardens frequented by pets and children.