San Pedro cactus

San Pedro cactus Care

Echinopsis pachanoi

What is the plant

A columnar and tall San Pedro cactus tops the lists of low-maintenance plants and will adorn your garden with its pretty pillar-like structure.

San Pedro cactus is also known as Echinopsis pachanoi or Trichocereus pachanoi. It grows in South America and loves hot weather.
These cacti tend to reach 20 feet (6 meters), so they need plenty of space. Trichocereus pachanoi produces white flowers and some edible fruits in summer, so you’re in for the harvest!

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Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

10°C - 18°C

Hardiness zone

8 - 10a

Difficulty

Medium

Hibernation

Cold Period

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Allow the soil to dry out before watering your San Pedro cactus, but do not leave it without water for long, either. The plant goes dormant in October and will not need irrigation until April.
Pruning
No frequent pruning is required. You can pluck the dried parts every other week to stimulate new growth.
Fertilizer
Cacti do not need much feeding, but if you want to give your plant a boost, opt for a liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength and apply it only starting from May to September.

Disease diagnosis

Check your plant’s health

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Sunlight
Direct sun is ideal for San Pedro, although it will feel better in light shade if the summer is hot. Seedlings will be ready for direct sunlight after their first year. If you overwinter your plant indoors, move it back gradually. This way, it doesn’t get sunburnt. Indoors, you can place your green pet next to a south-facing window.
Soil
Trichocereus pachanoi thrives in slightly acidic and fertile well-draining soil. A cacti soil mix is the best option. You can also add just a bit of humus to prevent root rot.
Propagation
The easiest ways to propagate your Echinopsis pachanoi is by seeds and cutting. If you choose the second method, make sure to use sharp and clean tools.

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Temperature
San Pedro is cold-resistant and can survive temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C). The most suitable USDA hardiness zones are 8B to 10B. Generally, it is recommended to overwinter the plant indoors.
Container
Your container should be wide to equip this cactus. Don’t forget to ensure it has drainage holes and a pot saucer.
Fun fact
Echinopsis pachanoi is known for its use in Andean medicine. Its common name refers to Saint Peter. It’s said that just as St Peter can open the doors to heaven, the San Pedro cactus will provide paradise on earth.