Pilosocereus pachycladus subsp. pachycladus

Pilosocereus pachycladus subsp. pachycladus

Family: Cactaceae
Common Name: hairy blue cereus
Origin: Although the origin of Pilosocereus pachycladus subsp. pachycladus is unknown, the straight species (Pilosocereus pachycladus) originates from Brazil, within the states of Piaui, Ceara, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraiba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Sergipe, and Bahia.
Description: Pilosocereus pachycladus is a columnar, tree-like cactus that develops numerous glaucous branches, resembling a blue saguaro with coppery yellow spines. The pachycladus subspecies possesses 5-12 broad ribs, distinctly elongated central spines, and hairy areoles. In summer, tubular white flowers will form, blooming during the night and disappearing at the end of the following day. After flowering, cacti will produce eye-catching magenta fruits.

Interesting Features:
- P. pachycladus subsp. pachycladus has a variable appearance – flowers may be inconsistent sizes, with red or green outer segments.
- In addition, the spines of older cacti will change color from yellow to gray over time.
Uses: While there are no recorded uses for the pachycladus subspecies, the straight species has been used extensively in its natural habitat as food, fuel, fodder (for livestock), in religious ceremonies, and for construction.

Cultivation and Care:

Watering: Low
- Water infrequently during the spring and summer, when soil is dry.
- To avoid root rot, never allow to stand in moisture and do not irrigate in winter.
Soil: For the best growth, P. pachycladus subsp. pachycladus should be planted in a very porous and gritty cactus soil, with added pumice, vulcanite, and perlite.
- Although a pH between 6.1 and 7.8 is tolerated, cacti prefer slightly acidic conditions.
Lighting: Provide bright and direct sunlight, especially during summer.
- If cultivating indoors, at least 4-6 hours of direct sun is required for healthy growth.
Propagation: The hairy blue cereus can be propagated through seed as well as softwood and woody-stem cuttings. Cuttings are particularly simple to propagate and can be planted directly into moist soil.
Cold Tolerance: 25°F, USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11.
Special Accommodations: P. pachycladus subsp. pachycladus should be repotted every two years, and fed with a half-strength diluted fertilizer during the summer.
- Additionally, refrain from using fat containing products (such as horticultural oils and insectile soaps) as these can disturb the coloring of the stems.

Sources: