San Pedro Cactus

The San Pedro cactus (Echinopsis pachanoi, formerly Trichocereus pachanoi) is a fast-growing, columnar cactus native to the Andes Mountains of South America—particularly in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia.

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Appearance

• Growth Form: Upright, column-like stems that can branch from the base.

• Height: In the wild, it can reach 10–20 feet tall; in gardens or pots, it’s usually shorter.

• Stems: Light to dark green, smooth, with 6–8 broad ribs.

• Spines: Short and pale (yellow to light brown), usually under 1 cm in length—much smaller than those of many desert cacti.

• Texture: Firm yet fleshy, with evenly spaced areoles along the ribs.

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Flowers & Fruit

• Flowers: Large, white, and fragrant; open at night and close by morning. Can be up to 8–9 inches long.

• Blooming Season: Usually in summer.

• Fruit: Small, greenish fruits develop after flowering, containing seeds.

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Habitat

• Climate: Cool, dry mountain air with intense sunlight and occasional rain.

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Care & Cultivation

• Light: Full sun outdoors; bright light indoors.

• Water: Drought-tolerant; water deeply but infrequently—let soil dry completely.

• Soil: Well-draining cactus or sandy mix.

• Temperature: Can tolerate mild frost but prefers above 50°F.