Pachycereus pringlei, commonly called mexican giant cardon or elephant cactus, is a flowering columnar tree-like perennial that is a member of the Cactaceae family. Pachycereus pringlei is native to the northwestern Mexico state of Baja California Sur, Baja California, and Sonora. Pachycereus pringlei is the tallest living cactus in the world, reaching heights up to 63 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The average height at maturity is 30 feet tall. The plant resembles saguaro cactus but differs in that this species branches more towards the base of the main stem, has fewer ribs (10-16), and P. pringlei also blossoms lower on its stems. Pachycereus pringlei stems are blueish dark green, turning yellow green at maturity. Flowers emerge from large areoles that are covered with gray spines that line each rib. In young plants, ribs are capped by areoles with white glochids. Pachycereus pringlei flowers bloom in spring, are funnel to bell shaped, 3 inches wide, and white with brown felt surrounding the base. After fertilization, the plant bears 2.5 inch diameter edible fruit that are covered in brown spines. Roots have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria and fungi, allowing it to grow with little to no soil in inorganic rocks where the microbes fix nitrogen and break down rock for available nutrients. Soil should be well draining with little organic matter. Water the plant more frequently in summer and lessen during winter. Pachycereus pringlei thrives in full sun to partial shade. The plant is grown as an ornamental, food crop, and medicinal plant. The fruit can be eaten raw or made into drinks and the seeds can be made into flour. The fleshy portion of stems contain psychoactive alkaloids and store emergency water while hollowed-out stems are used as containers. USDA plant hardiness zone 9a-11b.
Pachycereus pringlei seeds require consistent moisture and humidity but soil should not be soaking wet. Cloning boxes, ziplock bags, and other containers that retain moisture are ideal to store sown pots. Keep seeds well ventilated to prevent fungal growth during germination. Use well draining sterilized soil. Seeds should be directly sown on top of a well draining potting mixture and lightly covered with a thin layer of sand or soil mix. Germinating pots should be kept indoors out of extreme light and heat. Ideal temperatures range from 75°F to 85°F. Germination typically takes 1-4 weeks to occur. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
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All packages will be shipped with basic customs information such as; HS codes, VAT numbers, and properly labeled contents. Unfortunately, The Garden of Set is unable to provide phytosanitary certificates for orders at this time. It is the buyer’s responsibility to know local laws regarding the import of plants, seeds, and plant products into their country. It is also up to the buyer to provide any other customs forms or information required to import plants into their country. If packages get stopped by customs, The Garden of Set will not be able to provide a refund for the purchase. Most of the time packages make it to their destinations just fine, this is for the small minority of packages that get stopped without having all the proper customs information required by the country of import. Purchase at your own discretion.