San Pedro cactus with a rare brain-like, wavy appearance

This fast-growing mutation creates a unique, cliff-like comb that can become very large and impressive over time.

The common San Pedro cactus ' Echinopsis pachanoi ' is a perennial cactus with light green stems that form a small tree 3-6 meters tall. However, the tallest recorded San Pedro cactus measured 12.2 meters! This mutant form can also grow very large, creating a stunning specimen with its wavy growth points that spread unhindered.

The species produces white flowers at the ends of the stems that open at night and last for about two days. However, this form rarely flowers due to the mutant form.

Botanical description

Trichocereus pachanoi (now often called Echinopsis pachanoi ) is a fast-growing cactus from the Andes at 2000-3000 meters altitude in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and parts of Chile and Argentina. The species has been used in traditional medicine and religious divination in the Andes for over 3000 years.

In Peruvian shamanism, called mesa norteña, healers (curanderos) boil San Pedro cacti with the thorns removed into a bitter drink called cimora, often mixed with tobacco to enhance spiritual visions. This brew helps shamans gain "vista" (magical vision) to diagnose illnesses, cleanse spirits, and connect with ancestors or nature spirits at sacred sites.

Echinopsis pachanoi contains a number of alkaloids, including mescaline, which explains its psychoactive properties and traditional use.

Care

Echinopsis pachanoi f. cristata is very easy to grow and hardy down to -12°C when dry. Because it grows naturally in the Andes at high altitudes with high rainfall, it can withstand temperatures well below many other cacti for a day or two if they are dry.

Requires fertile, well-drained soil, a good mix includes a light inorganic substrate such as pumice or perlite. Water well and allow to dry before watering again. This species seems to do better with a little more water than most cacti, its growing requirements are more similar to "normal" plants than other cacti.

Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced nutrient. Outdoors full sun, but in hot summers the cactus can be exposed to sunburn so grow in light shade. Indoors it needs bright light and some direct sun.

During the winter months, place in a cool bright location and encourage winter dormancy by withholding water and fertilizing, otherwise they will become slender due to lower light levels. Susceptible to fungal diseases from overwatering, especially if kept damp during cold periods.

San Pedro produces good growth every year (up to 30 cm) if fed and watered well during the hottest months, especially if acclimatized to full sun.

Warning: Contains mescaline and other alkaloids that are psychoactive and regulated in many countries, including Sweden. Grown only as an ornamental cactus. Buy San Pedro cactus online!